Here comes the sun…

WORDS NATHALIE CRAIG

The demand for comfortable outdoor spaces has increased, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality venues are investing in quality shading systems to create inviting outdoor areas for guests to relax and enjoy.

There is also a growing focus on sustainability, inspiring venues to install eco-friendly shading solutions that not only provide effective sun control but reduce energy consumption. This includes using materials with high solar reflectance such as reflective fabrics or solar screens, to minimise heat gain in the summer and reliance on air conditioning, reducing associated costs.

Matthew Mulder, Sales Manager at Horiso explains that different hospitality brands have different priorities when it comes to sun control and shading.

“For high-end brands, aesthetics, automation, and sun control are crucial for creating an appealing environment for guests,” he says.

“For hotels catering to express room travellers, blackout systems become essential to ensure a comfortable stay for guests dealing with jet lag.”

“On the other hand, for heritage-listed buildings, preserving the structure is paramount, so any automation, sun control, or shading systems must be implemented without causing damage.”

Horiso is a supplier of Guthrie Douglas, the brand tasked with providing motorised shading for the five-star Sofitel Darling Harbour.

The goal was to install motorised shading that wouldn’t obscure the views from the 35-storey tower designed by Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones. The hotel has 590 luxurious hotel rooms, a rooftop infinity pool and the French- inspired Atelier restaurant and champagne bar. The bars and restaurants have views of Darling Harbour and across the water to the skyline, making visibility a huge factor in specifying a shading solution for these areas of the hotel. Guthrie Douglas designed a solution that would cover the glazing with as few systems as possible, with some systems installed to operate from the bottom up, including triangular and trapezoidal systems for the corner glazing.

Screen Nature solar control fabric by Climate Ready Fabrics was specified and installed as part of a motorised automated roller shade system. ‘The fabric’s weave structure offers excellent clean visibility view-through for occupants to be protected from heat gain and glare whilst also being able to enjoy the view of Darling Harbour and the city skyline. Specialist screen fabrics such as this one offers all the strength and durability of a TESS screen fabric, with a finer woven appearance for interior design-driven applications. The metallised option is designed to provide high heat and glare reduction.

Another trend in sun control and shading in the hospitality sector is glass louvres and screens. Louvres incorporating solar control glass can provide an attractive and functional dynamic to buildings. They can be integrated seamlessly into facades to adjust the amount of natural light, heat, and ventilation, without the uncomfortable visual glare.

Safetyline Jalousie has louvres available in both aluminium and various styles of glass. Safetyline Jalousie louvres were incorporated into the design of The Patio Dining Precinct at Westfield’s Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast.

Louvre windows were the preferred choice for Westfield’s design and construction team who wanted to incorporate natural light and airflow into the space.

The custom-made, prefabricated louvres were manufactured in varying sizes between 1000mm – 1200mm to fit between the structural steel posts. Installed at a high level, the louvres filter natural light while also purging hot air.

EnergyTech Grey tinted glass was specified for the louvres for its ability to control solar heat gain and glare. Specifically designed for Australian conditions, the unique coating on the glass acts like a filter, blocking out the sun’s direct energy whilst maintaining a high level of natural daylight. The same coating helps to reflect heat back into the building on cold days. This means better energy control with lower cooling and heating costs.

Louvres also feature on Renson’s stylish pergola offering known as the Camargue, which has a roof made from aluminium louvres, is a versatile outdoor structure that combines sun and rain protection, and wind resistance, allowing guests to enjoy outdoor spaces regardless of the weather conditions. It can also be customised to meet the specific needs of hospitality establishments. Its unique adjustable louvered roof system allows users to control the amount of sunlight and ventilation in the covered area.

The louvres can be rotated up to 150 degrees, providing precise control over shading and ventilation. Additionally, the Camargue can be equipped with integrated screens or glass sliding doors for added protection and privacy.

Another popular shade solution for hospitality settings incorporating louvres is Vergola’s opening and closing motorised louvre roof system.

Vergola’s General Manager Peter Rust says the louvre roof system offers versatility in controlling sunlight, ventilation, and outdoor ambience.

“With adjustable louvres, the roof can be fully opened to allow abundant sunlight and fresh air, creating an open-air experience. It can also be closed partially or completely to provide shade and protect against rain or excessive heat,” he notes.

“This adaptability allows hotels and restaurants to optimise the use of their outdoor spaces throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.”

Rust says louvre roofs have the added benefit of adding to the aesthetic appeal of hospitality venues.

“They add an architectural element and a touch of sophistication to outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall ambience and creating an inviting atmosphere. Louvre roofs can be customized to match the design and style of the establishment, seamlessly integrating with the overall aesthetic,” he says.

When the proprietor of the Longueville Hotel in Sydney, Graham Campion wanted a weather-independent outdoor area that could be comfortably enjoyed throughout the year, Vergola ticked all the boxes.

With the installation of a Vergola, the Longueville Hotel now boasts a highly versatile alfresco space. During summer, the louvres deflect direct heat and sunlight.

When it rains, patrons enjoy the shelter of a solid roof.

And in winter, the adjustable louvres allow the warm sun to permeate the area, creating a cozy atmosphere.

“People are always asking me about the roof system we have used.

I tell them that Vergola is a great product and well-priced. It has provided us with a more useable, versatile, alfresco space and we love it,” he says.

Automated operable roof systems are also highly sought after in the hospitality industry for their ability to create a functional outdoor area that patrons can enjoy throughout every season.

These systems, such as retractable pergolas or commercial grade folding arm awnings, offer both functionality and aesthetics and can be customised to suit different areas.

TurnerArc offers operable roof systems and partners with home automation companies to provide several options for operable roof automation and control. This means their systems can be controlled with either a wallmounted switch, a hand-held remote, or via a smartphone app.

TurnerArc was engaged to find sharing solutions for Australia’s largest day and night entertainment precinct, Cali Beach Club on the Gold Coast. To control the light and shade they specified their motorised, operable roof systems and zip screen, straight drop blinds as well as custom-shaped oval shade sails to fill in aluminium frames.

There is also an increasing demand for shading solutions that can withstand intense weather conditions. Weather-resistant materials such as PVC structures are popular for durability and longevity, providing reliable sun control and protection from rain and wind. These trends inspired Nolan Group’s Outdoor Connex, a shading and weather protection system which combines aluminium zip track blinds with options for Vistaweave mesh and clear PVC blinds from Achilles, along with an architectural membrane roof from Atlas or Polyfab.