Intelligent solar shading. Architectural impact.

ADP Aluminium’s Brise Soleil systems provide an effective way to control solar gain, reduce glare and enhance the appearance of a building — combining practical solar shading with a clean, contemporary architectural finish. Designed around the building, its orientation and the position of the glazing, Brise Soleil uses external aluminium blades or fins to intercept direct sunlight before it reaches the glass. This helps manage heat build-up inside the building while still allowing natural daylight to enter. The result is a façade solution that looks good, performs well and can contribute to a more comfortable, energy-conscious building.

What is Brise Soleil?

Brise Soleil — literally meaning “sun breaker” — is an external solar shading system, typically made from horizontal or vertical aluminium blades. Positioned outside the glazing, the blades are designed to block or deflect high-angle sunlight during periods of strong solar exposure. Because the shading is external, sunlight can be stopped before it passes through the glass, helping to reduce solar heat gain and glare. At the same time, the system can be designed to maintain views and make good use of natural daylight. ADP Aluminium can provide Brise Soleil as a practical solar-control solution as well as a strong architectural feature, helping designers bring together performance and aesthetics in a single façade element.

Reduce solar heat gain

Large areas of glazing can allow significant amounts of solar energy into a building. External Brise Soleil helps intercept this sunlight before it reaches the glass, reducing unwanted heat gain and helping to create a more comfortable internal environment.

Control glare

Direct sunlight can create uncomfortable glare on screens, workspaces and living areas. Carefully positioned blades help control direct solar radiation while retaining useful levels of natural light.

Improve occupant comfort

By helping to manage heat and glare, Brise Soleil can contribute to more comfortable internal spaces — particularly around large glazed areas and on elevations exposed to strong sunlight.

Support energy efficiency

Reducing solar heat gain can reduce the demand for mechanical cooling during warmer periods. Combined with effective building design and other energy-saving measures, solar shading can therefore contribute to improved building performance.

Enhance the façade

Brise Soleil isn’t simply functional. Its strong horizontal or vertical lines can add depth, rhythm and architectural definition to a building façade. Available in a range of configurations and finishes, the system can complement the overall design of the building or become a distinctive architectural feature in its own right.

Designed around your project

Every building responds differently to sunlight. Orientation, glazing, elevation, projection and blade angle all influence how effective a solar shading system can be. ADP Aluminium can develop a Brise Soleil solution to suit the requirements of the project, helping architects and specifiers balance solar control, daylight, aesthetics and practical installation requirements.

Horizontal or vertical — designed for the façade

Brise Soleil can be configured horizontally, vertically or as part of a more bespoke arrangement. Horizontal systems are particularly suited to controlling high-angle sunlight on appropriate elevations, while vertical systems can provide an effective solution where the sun’s position and the building’s orientation call for a different approach. The system can also be designed around individual architectural requirements, including different blade sizes, projections, angles and finishes.

A smarter approach to solar control

Effective solar shading is about more than simply blocking the sun. The aim is to control unwanted solar heat and glare while preserving the benefits of natural daylight and the visual connection provided by glazing. ADP Aluminium Brise Soleil provides architects, contractors and building owners with a way to achieve that balance — combining solar control and architectural design in one robust aluminium system.

Bring solar control into the design

Whether you’re working on a new-build development, refurbishment or a façade with extensive glazing, ADP Aluminium can help you explore the right Brise Soleil solution for your project.