brise-soleil
Architectural sun blocker
A brise-soleil is an architectural feature—typically horizontal slats, louvers, or projecting fins—attached to a building's exterior to block direct sunlight while still allowing light and air to enter.
The term is French for "sun breaker." Common in modernist architecture and warm climates: The building's concrete brise-soleil keeps the interior cool without air conditioning.
Angled slats for airflow
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- overhangSection projecting beyond support
- canopyOverhead protective covering
- fenestrationPlacement of openings
curtain wall · cladding · exterior · elevation · modernist · brutalist · egg-crate · projection
Solid building mixture
- aluminumElement thirteen
- woodTree-derived building material
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- terracottaFired reddish-brown ceramic
ceramic · glass · composite · anodized · weathering · durability · maintenance · prefabricated
Temperature control without power
- natural ventilationAirflow without powered fans
- green buildingSustainably designed structure
- LEEDGreen architecture certification
- energy savingsReduced power consumption
carbon reduction · bioclimatic · vernacular · sustainable design · environmental control · net-zero
Shielding from UV rays
- glare reductionDecreasing blinding brightness
- heat gainAcquired thermal energy
- daylightSun's natural glow
- orientationPosition relative to surroundings
azimuth · angle · south-facing · summer sun · light diffusion · shadows · coolness · energy efficiency
louvers
Angled slats for airflow
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- overhangSection projecting beyond support
- canopyOverhead protective covering
fenestration · curtain wall · cladding · exterior · elevation · modernist · brutalist · egg-crate · projection · depth
concrete
Solid building mixture
terracotta · ceramic · glass · composite · anodized · weathering · durability · maintenance · prefabricated · cast
passive cooling
Temperature control without power
- natural ventilationAirflow without powered fans
- green buildingSustainably designed structure
- LEEDGreen architecture certification
energy savings · carbon reduction · bioclimatic · vernacular · sustainable design · environmental control · net-zero
sun protection
Shielding from UV rays
- glare reductionDecreasing blinding brightness
- heat gainAcquired thermal energy
- daylightSun's natural glow
orientation · azimuth · angle · south-facing · summer sun · light diffusion · shadows · coolness · energy efficiency · overheating
brise-soleilskylight
Window in a roof
clerestory · solar collector · solar panel · light well · sunroom
brise, soleil, breeze, breezy, breezier, breeziest, breezily, solar, sol