Shading and Screens

The BCA energy efficiency code encourages all windows that face North, East or West to be shaded to stop the sun from directly hitting the glass. This is usually managed by the design of the home eg. Adding eaves above the windows.

These shades must be fixed and be of a certain width (in proportion to the height of the window) to be effective.

Options that can be considered include the use of a “Vergola” in the patio or alfresco area which is an operable pergola (eg as used on our office balcony) which can be opened in Winter and closed in Summer to suit the seasons.

Clients may also like to consider the fixed “wing shaped” awnings that are on our office building as a contemporary way to provide shading to a modern looking home. They are provided by a company called Sunlight Australia.