The role of shading devices to improve thermal and visual comfort in existing glazed buildings

Abstract

Buildings with large glazed surfaces may show severe thermal and visual discomfort issues, as an effect of the large incoming direct solar radiation. In order to avoid excessive solar gains and glare issues to the occupants, it is necessary to adopt suitable solutions that limit the incoming solar radiation, such as highly reflective coatings or movable shading devices. However, such devices must be accurately selected, according to the building location and to the exposure of the glazed façades, while also taking into account possible regulatory measures. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a series of shading devices applied to an existing office building in Southern Italy. The building shows large glazed surfaces and has no overhangs, thus significant thermal discomfort is perceived in summer by the occupants. The aim is to identify those solutions that allow to improve thermal comfort while also keeping a sufficient illuminance level indoors, without disregarding the compliance with Italian regulations about the installation of shading devices and, of course, the need to keep costs on a reasonable level. The analyses are repeated for different building orientations, in order to provide general information.