The selection of brise soleil shading optical properties for energy conservation and glare removal: A case study in Qatar

A simulation model of an office space with external shading on a fully-glazed façade in one pre-selected orientation was developed and validated. Parametric studies on the shading reflectance and transmittance properties were conducted and their effects on spaces energy demands were observed for Qatar's climate, mimicking a developing country with harshly hot weather conditions. In south-oriented offices, savings caused by the addition of brise soleil reach 36.3%; unreflective or barely transmissive slats are recommended and light dimming control is unjustified. Moreover, unreflective opaque shading without light dimming control is found to be optimal in east and west-oriented offices as it saves 37.2% of the space overall energy demand. In contrary, installing highly-transmissive shadings with light dimming control is justified in north-oriented offices as it keeps full outdoor visual sight and still saves energy of up to 11.6%.