We often hear about sunblades as the best shading systems to adopt in modern homes or offices. But what are sunblades, what are they for and how are they used? This article provides an in-depth overview of sunblades, offering advice on how to choose them according to their features. Aluminium is the best material for sunblades due to its many qualities.
Every building that has a window should also have a shading system, i.e. an element to modulate the entry of light into the interior (but also to protect the window itself from external agents). As detailed in this article, there are several shading systems that can be considered: roller shutters, shutters, sunblades and so on. The choice will depend on several factors: budget, architectural style of the house, features of the shading system itself, any urban planning or condominium constraints…
Of all the shading system options available, a modern and particularly effective shading system – especially when made of aluminium – is the sunblades. In a nutshell, we can present the sunblades as the ideal solution for those who want to control the entry of natural light into the home in an easy and versatile way, without sacrificing modern design. The sunblades roller shutter is therefore the shading system that combines practicality and modern aesthetics.

Sunblades: what they are

Also known by their French name brise-soleil, sunblades are architectural elements consisting of fixed or movable blades that allow the passage of sunlight into rooms to be modulated and screened. They are particularly functional in the case of buildings with curtain walls or large glass walls, where it is important to modulate the passage of light.
Sunblades are shading systems that originated as an evolution of normal roller shutters. While traditional roller shutters can close completely, in sunblades we have blades – horizontal or vertical – that can be tilted at different levels, thus allowing the modulation of light and heat from outside to be maximised. Natural light is thus filtered more precisely, adapting to different lighting conditions and personal preferences.
Especially when made of a complete and resistant material such as aluminium, sunblades are shading systems that allow windows to be protected from the most adverse weather conditions, such as rain, strong wind or snow. Finally, thanks to their structure, aluminium sunblades have excellent soundproofing capabilities (thus keeping the most annoying noises outside the building) and thermic insulation, which keeps rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.
When manufactured in aluminium, sunblades roller shutters can be chosen in a wide range of colours and finishes. This high degree of aesthetic customisation allows them to harmonise with different architectural styles and building types, as well as to meet multiple stylistic requirements and enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces. Furthermore, sunblades are extremely user-friendly; they can be operated manually but, especially in more modern houses, they can be combined with domotics systems to be operated automatically and remotely. Some modern roller shutters can operate autonomously thanks to the presence of light and temperature sensors, which read the present environmental conditions and adjust the sloping of the blades accordingly.

What sunblades are for

The sunblades shading system is chosen by more and more people because it offers many advantages from different points of view. It is a modern, conscious, environmentally aware choice, and it cares for the well-being of the space and those who live or work in it.
Here we summarise the living objectives that sunblades can help to achieve:

• controlling and modulating sunlight: thanks to their adjustable blades and their special structure, sunblades can be used to modulate the entry of natural light at different times of the day, making the internal environment brighter or dimmer depending on one’s needs.
• protection from the elements: the aluminium window is already very weather-resistant in itself, but sunblades provide an additional barrier to rain, wind, snow and excessive solar radiation. This ensures a longer window life and greater living comfort.
• thermic insulation: by filtering out the sun’s rays, sunblades contribute to less accumulation of hot (in summer) or cold (in winter) air inside rooms. This is very important, as it can help reduce the expenditure and cost of the electricity needed to heat or cool the building.
• efficient energy use: the previous point inevitably leads to the discussion of energy efficiency, as sunblades help precisely to waste less energy for internal environment comfort. This consequently leads to greater energy savings in economic terms. The same can be said for artificial lighting: sunblades help reduce the cost by optimising the entry of natural light into the home.
• privacy of internal environments: if you want to maintain the privacy of your space without sacrificing excellent natural lighting, sunblades are the best choice in terms of shading systems. This is especially true in urban contexts where homes are very close together, but also for offices and other work spaces.
• aesthetics and design: sunblades made of aluminium have a light, modern, clean appearance. They therefore enhance the appearance of any building, making it more contemporary and up-to-date. Aluminium certainly helps in this, not only because of its elegant appearance but also because it can be customised in a range of colours and finishes to suit all requirements.

In which contexts to install sunblades

Sunblades are very versatile architectural elements, suitable for different contexts. Their structure and the features of aluminium – the best material with which they can be made – make them particularly suitable for modern contexts, where the aim is to express a sense of refinement, clean lines and minimal design:

• private homes: at the residential level, aluminium sunblades are chosen by those who want to improve the efficient energy use of their homes, reducing heating and air conditioning costs, but without sacrificing aesthetics. Sunblades are perfect for homes with a contemporary and elegant allure, enhancing the architectural style even further.
• offices and work spaces: sunblades are the best shading system for modern, essential work spaces that facilitate concentration. Sunblades can help modulate the entry of natural light, thus increasing the ability of those working or studying to concentrate.
• public spaces: when thinking of public places such as museums or libraries, the use of sunblades not only helps maximise the entry of natural light, thus decreasing the need for artificial lamps; it can also help preserve light-sensitive artworks and documents.
• modern architectural structures: in these cases, in addition to fulfilling their more technical functions, sunblades can become true design elements. For example, they can create special plays of light and shadow, contributing to the building’s unique and distinctive design.

What are the best sunblades: aluminium sunblades

Like all elements of a building, a sunblades roller shutter must be chosen carefully and with several factors in mind. The first of these is undoubtedly functionality (glare reduction, thermal protection, privacy), but aesthetics are also important: the sunblades must fit in with the style and architecture of the house. The sunblades must be strong, easy to use, effective in modulating light, durable, and beautiful to look at.
To meet all these requirements, the best material for sunblades is undoubtedly aluminium. Wooden and PVC sunblades also exist, but are to be considered secondary and not ideal choices. Wood offers a very elegant aesthetics, but requires more laborious maintenance that would negate all the conveniences offered by the sunblades themselves. PVC is durable, but offers a less-than-fine aesthetics and durability than aluminium.

The advantages of aluminium sunblades

Aluminium is by far the preferred choice for sunblades. Here are all the reasons why (more on this in the article on the advantages of aluminium):

• resistance: aluminium is well known in window and door construction for its incredible resistance to both corrosion and atmospheric agents. However much it may be exposed to the air or the most violent weather conditions, it will not rust or deteriorate. This will ensure that the aluminium sunblades will maintain their appearance and structural integrity over time, without losing their qualities. Durability, therefore, is a positive element to consider as a result of aluminium’s strong strength.
• thermic insulation and soundproofing: aluminium sunblades contribute to maintaining a comfortable temperature in internal spaces, helping to keep heat (in winter) and cool air (in summer) from escaping to the outside. Aluminium sunblades also have discrete sound-absorbing capacities, thanks to which the passage of annoying noise from outside is reduced. All these elements maximise the living comfort level of the house.
• lightness: aluminium is a material that is as strong as it is surprisingly light. This allows aluminium sunblades to be installed easily and less expensively than heavier materials.
• aesthetics and design: the lightness of aluminium means that the building is not visually overloaded with heavy, bulky-looking shading systems. In addition, aluminium is an aesthetically very versatile material that can be processed and manufactured in a wide range of shapes, colours and finishes. Aluminium sunblades can thus be adapted to different architectural styles and stylistic preferences, although they lend themselves particularly well to modern and contemporary styles due to their clean, essential and minimal lines.
• low maintenance: aluminium is a material that does not require any special maintenance and cleaning. As with aluminium windows and doors, sunblades made of this material can be simply cleaned with a cloth dampened with water and a little mild soap. The fact that no ordinary or extraordinary maintenance is required makes aluminium sunblades the ideal choice for those who want a practical home, saving time, resources and energy.
• sustainability: should not be forgotten that aluminium is a 100% recyclable material, and that it can be recycled endlessly without ever losing its qualities. The aluminium sunblades therefore fit into a context of sustainable and ecological building industry and design.

METRA Building aluminium sunblades

Choosing aluminium sunblades means opting for a product that combines functionality and aesthetics, ensuring a high quality of life and a positive impact on the environment and the efficient energy use of the building in which they are installed.
METRA Building offers aluminium sunblades that can infuse any building with value and design, enhancing its aesthetic impact. From a functional point of view, METRA Building sunblades are created with extruded aluminium blades of different shapes and sizes, which help to modulate light according to the different conditions of the day and preferences: light, half-light, complete darkness…
METRA Building sunblades have multiple types of opening and can be complemented by the insertion of photovoltaic panels in the blades, thus increasing its positive impact on the building’s efficient energy use. A particular series of sunblades, called LOUVRES, includes ventilation grills with different types of blades, inserted individually or assembled on pre-assembled frames.