MicroLouvre™

Solar shading

'Unrivalled shading performance

Smartlouvre, manufacturers of MicroLouvre™, a micro fine louvred metal fabric designed for high performance sun control. They are focused on the construction specification market, working with architects, building consultants and engineers to improve building performance and energy consumption in controlled temperature environments.

Invented in the late 1930’s by two senior research members of Dow Chemical, and first manufactured in conjunction with the Borg-Warner Corporation, the unique system of angled miniature bronze louvres stops the sun’s heat from ever reaching the window, but at the same time permits full natural daylight and outward vision for occupants. It has been used all over the world on every type of building as a solution to overheating and provides unrivalled visual comfort.

MicroLouvre™ solar screens are the result of decades of extensive and exhaustive international research and development. They are probably the most efficient modern method of solar shading in the world. 

The product was previously known as Koolshade and was used prevalently in US construction projects at the end of the 20th Century. Production ceased in the US and after a 20 year hiatus, it is now manufactured exclusively by Smartlouvre Technology Ltd, here in the UK, and is known as MicroLouvre.

Working totally differently from traditional external and internal blinds, which reflect, distort and restrict vision and light, MicroLouvre™ simply and invisibly neutralises solar heat gain and glare before they even reach the window.

With its passive, angle selective, maintenance free technology, MicroLouvre™ supports all today’s energy saving, fire resistant and sustainable building performance requirements.

Part of its unique aspect is its 80% open area, which allows light and air to pass through it, while blocking solar heat and glare

Each louvre is angled at 170 which is optimum to ensure the heat and glare from the sun is blocked, whilst still allowing occupants to see out, to experience daylight and allow ventilation through.

When windows are open, with MicroLouvre, the fresh outside air is directed up towards the ceiling in a laminar air flow, allowing the air to circulate rather than be forced across the room.  Cool air is directed up to the ceiling inside the building, replacing hot air and therefore, contributing to the room cooling strategy.'

Environmental metrics

Material(s)
The metal louvre fabric is woven from recyclable copper alloy (bronze)
Element application(s)
Windows
Functional advantage(s)
Shades window from heat whilst permitting full natural daylight and vision.
Life expectancy
50+ years
Guarantee/Warranty
Yes
Recycled content
0
Demountable
Yes
Reclaimable
Yes
Reusable
Yes
Recycleable
Yes
Manufacturing method
Woven metal fabric
Manufacturing standard
ISO: 9001, 2015
Environmental credentials
Testing demonstrates higher energy saving than equivalent solar glass or internal blinds.
Health credentials
WELL/BREEAM aligned
Ventilation effectiveness (Natural Ventilation)
Thermal comfort (With Natural Ventilation)
Daylight and views
Health and Safety
EuroClass A1/A2 Fire Rating
3rd party product endorsement
BREEAM HEA4 Credit for thermal comfort
BREEM ENE1 Energy Credit
LEED EA
Operation & Maintenance
Wind speeds of 100+ mph resistant from multiple angles (BRE tested)
Manufacture details
Manufacturer
Smartlouvre
Address
18 The Tanneries
Brockhampton Lane
Havant
Hampshire
PO9 1JB
Telephone
0239 245 6333
Selection Criteria

PASS endorsement is based upon a distinguished performance in these categories:

Raw material acquisition

  • Waste disposal: Reduced/zero waste

Product use

  • Global warming potential: Effects a reduction in carbon output
  • Occupant health / comfort: Facilitates thermal comfort

Final depostion

  • Resource efficiency: Recyclable components
  • Resource efficiency: Reusable
  • Waste: Facilitates on-site separation
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