Tensile fabric can be used internally for many different reasons, one of the most common applications being solar control. It is becoming more common for us to receive enquiries regarding the control of solar glare and protection from the sun in large atrium spaces.

Specialist teams can carry out a sun path analysis which will ensure that any tensile fabric additions are exactly where required and will provide adequate protection from solar glare. 

Curtains and blinds are the traditional ways of using fabric to control light transmission, but they are not the most exciting or the most creative which fabrics can create and as architects look for more interesting ways to introduce light into a space, we look for ways in which that light transmission and solar gain can be controlled.

Take the structure at the BBC offices as an example: the lampshade style structures are formed using lightweight framework and stretch fabric to diffuse the direct sunlight and soften the light transmitted into the space below, but equally important is the visual impact the three aligned features make.

It’s not all about minimising light and controlling glare, light reflectors and diffusors can direct sunlight deeper into a building, replacing or supplementing daytime energy and combining this practical application with an aesthetic element is a key benefit of using tensile fabrics. The tensile fabric sails used at Redcliffe Quay are a great example of how fabric features can be used to redirct light around a space.

Incorporating tensile fabric we provide solar shading with added creativity, working to a brief as outlined by the client, featuring lighting and branding as requried.