Solar shading of buildings BR 364
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Solar shading of buildings: Second edition (BR 364) was written by Paul Littlefair and published by BRE on 5 January 2018.
The careful choice of solar shading for buildings allows good use of winter solar gain and daylighting whilst avoiding summer overheating. This can help reduce cooling costs, prevent glare (particularly where computer screens are used), and provide privacy for building occupants.
BR 364 describes the most commonly-used solar shading devices and discusses new developments. It sets out the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of shading device and provides a decision table to help select the best solution.
The 56 page report will be of particular interest to architects, building services engineers, building owners, facilities managers, shading manufacturers, retailers and installers in the UK and other countries with similar climates and latitudes.
Its contents are:
- Executive summary.
- Introduction.
- External shading.
- Glazing.
- Mid-pane devices.
- Internal shading.
- Conclusions.
- Appendices.
- References.
[edit] Find out more.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Blinds.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM Visual comfort Glare control.
- Brise soleil.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Control of solar shading IP 4 17.
- Exterior shutters.
- Retrofitting solar shading.
- Solar shading
- Wind Resistance for External Blinds.
Featured articles and news
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.