Sunshades

Architectural sunshades provide a practical way to enhance building performance while contributing to a distinctive architectural appearance.

What Are Architectural Sunshades?

Modern glass building with angled sunshades

Architectural sunshades are exterior shading systems designed to control the amount of sunlight entering a building. By reducing direct solar exposure, they can help support indoor comfort, lessen cooling loads, and create a more balanced daylighting environment.

Sunshades are commonly used on:

  • Storefront systems
  • Curtain wall systems
  • Commercial office buildings
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Educational campuses
  • Government buildings
  • Mixed-use developments

Available in a variety of shapes and orientations (airfoil, eggcrate, tubular, z-blade, etc.), architectural sunshades can be customized to support both performance objectives and design intent.

How Sunshades Support Building Performance

Architectural sunshades are more than a visual enhancement. When incorporated as part of a broader building-envelope strategy, they can contribute to improved building performance.

Energy Efficiency

By limiting direct solar heat gain through glazing systems, architectural sunshades may help reduce cooling demands during warmer months. The resulting reduction in solar load can support overall building efficiency objectives.

Wooden sunshades on industrial building

Improved Daylighting

Effective shading can help manage glare while still allowing natural daylight to reach interior spaces. This creates a more comfortable environment for occupants and can support daylight-focused design strategies.

Occupant Comfort

Excessive solar exposure can contribute to uncomfortable indoor conditions. Sunshades help create a more balanced indoor environment by controlling sunlight before it reaches the building envelope.

Sustainability and LEED Considerations

Architectural sunshades are frequently incorporated into sustainable building designs. Depending on the overall project strategy, exterior shading systems may contribute toward energy and daylighting goals associated with green-building initiatives. Specific LEED contributions vary by project and should be evaluated by the design team.

Types of Architectural Sunshades

Different building orientations and design goals often call for different shading strategies. Understanding the most common styles can help project teams identify the right solution for their application.

Airfoil sunshade image

Airfoil Sunshade

An airfoil sunshade features streamlined blades designed to provide solar control while maintaining a clean, modern appearance.

Common applications include:

  • Commercial office buildings
  • Curtain wall systems
  • High-visibility façades
  • Contemporary architectural designs

Airfoil systems are often selected when aesthetics and performance are equally important design factors.

Eggcrate sunshade image

Eggcrate Sunshade

An eggcrate sunshade combines horizontal and vertical members to create a grid-like structure that provides multidirectional shading.

Common applications include:

  • Buildings with extensive glass surfaces
  • Façades exposed to varying sun angles
  • Educational and institutional facilities

Because eggcrate configurations provide shading from multiple directions, they are often considered when solar exposure changes throughout the day.

Tubular shaped sunshade

Tubular Sunshade

A tubular sunshade utilizes round structural elements to create a distinctive architectural appearance while helping mitigate solar heat gain.

Common applications include:

  • Retail storefronts
  • Public facilities
  • Contemporary commercial buildings

Tubular designs can provide a unique visual statement while maintaining functional solar control.

Z-blade shaped sunshade

Z-Blade Sunshade

A Z-blade sunshade utilizes angled, Z-shaped blades designed to help manage solar exposure while creating a bold architectural aesthetic. The blade profile can provide effective shading performance while maintaining visibility and contributing to the overall visual character of a building.

Common applications include:

  • Commercial office buildings
  • Educational facilities
  • Healthcare campuses
  • Storefront and curtain wall systems
  • Projects seeking a more contemporary architectural appearance

Z-blade configurations are often selected when designers want to combine solar control with a distinctive façade element that complements the building’s overall design.

Manufacturer Spotlight: Ruskin Sunshades

LONG partners with trusted manufacturers that align with our commitment to quality, performance, and long-term value. One of the industry’s recognized providers of architectural sunshade solutions is Ruskin.

Ruskin offers a variety of architectural sunshade systems designed to complement modern building envelopes while supporting solar-control objectives. Their product portfolio includes multiple shading configurations that can help architects and designers balance performance requirements with project aesthetics.

View Ruskin Sunshades

Ruskin Bigger Logo

Connect with our Architectural Solutions team to discuss solar control strategies, façade integration, and project-specific sunshade applications.

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AARON OVERMAN | ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

480-298-7518 | AOVERMAN@LONG.COM

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