Horiso External Venetian Blinds are one of the most versatile and effective methods of solar control in buildings. They maximize the use of incoming natural daylight while reducing glare and thermal gain. They help decrease the consumption of energy, providing long-term financial savings and benefits to the environment.
Horiso External Venetian Blinds are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions and are available in a range of sizes, finishes and colours. They are suitable for a variety of applications, including large door and window openings up to 45 square metres.
Features
- Full motorization and automation control for raising, lowering and tilting of blades.
- External system components have been engineered to withstand wind loads up to 77 kph, snow, ice and other extreme environmental conditions.
- Guide wires, lift tapes, and ladder cord are designed to reduce vibration from wind.
- Wind-sensing controls tilt and retract blinds when needed.
- Width up to 6 metres and drops up to 9.8 metres.
- Perforated blades allow various degrees of openness to maintain exterior views even when blinds are fully closed.
Benefits
- Control of natural light, including deflecting light onto ceilings and further into rooms.
- Easily controlled privacy.
- Control of sun glare.
- Up to 93% reduction in heat gain entering the building.
- External systems can be retracted when not required.
- Integration with intelligent control systems.
» Learn more on the Horiso® website
Sustainability attributes
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Ecospecifier rated
Ecospecifier conducts life cycle assessments to help architects, designers, builders and specifiers to choose environmentally preferable products and materials. The Ecospecifier Knowledge Base provides detail on the environmental performance of products and technologies under various rating schemes, including Green Star, BASIX, the Building Code of Australia, NABERS and ABGR.
Emits low VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emissions from carbon-containing compounds that pollute the air. VOCs are released from many common building products including solvents, paints and lacquers, adhesives, fabrics, carpets, printed paper, board products and composite timber. Rating schemes often categorize VOC content as low, very low, ultra low and zero.
Locally made
Specifying locally produced materials and products offers both economic and environmental advantages. Use of locally made products and materials minimizes transportation and shipping costs, as well as reducing the amount of energy used in transportation and any pollution that may result. In regard to natural resources – timber or stone, for example – locally sourced products can be better suited to a particular region’s climate and conditions. Further, choosing locally made products supports regional economies and local producers.
Reduces heating or cooling load
Heating and cooling load is the amount of energy consumed to maintain a desired temperature within a building. Project design – and the materials and products employed – plays a significant role in optimizing the performance of heating and cooling systems, to reduce the energy expended on internal climate control. Elements that affect heating and cooling load include heat transferred through glass windows and doors, infiltration of outside air, and the impact of people, lighting and electronic equipment.
Recyclable
Recyclable products and materials can be reprocessed and transformed into new goods at the end of their useful life. Materials composed of a single substance (for example, aluminium or concrete) are generally easier to dismantle and recycle than those composed of multiple substances. Employing recyclable materials offers several benefits – reduced use of new resources, reduced landfill, reduced costs for manufacturers.
Designed for disassembly
Design for disassembly is a manufacturing strategy that anticipates the future reuse of individual components or materials, enabling a product to be broken into its constituent parts for reuse or recycling. Design for disassembly can make recycling easier, resulting in less use of new resources, less energy consumption and less landfill. In economic terms, design for disassembly gives further value to products beyond their original life. Disassembling a structure rather than demolishing it can also reduce impact on the environment by reducing dust released during demolition, reducing land degradation and reducing transport costs of disposing of materials to landfill.
Supported by take-back program
A take-back program sees the manufacturer accept used products from consumers, before recycling or refurbishing them for future use. The philosophy underlying a take-back program is that manufacturers should be responsible for their products throughout their entire life, also known as a “cradle to cradle” approach to manufacturing. Reclamation programs streamline recycling for consumers and encourage manufacturers to produce recyclable products and materials.
Packaging is reduced
The aim is to reduce the amount of packaging required to effectively house and transport products and materials, resulting in less waste material destined for landfill, lower manufacturing costs for producers, and reduced transportation costs. Some manufacturers implement returnable packaging systems or heavily in recyclable packaging. Paper, glass, metal and board packaging can be readily recycled.
Low embodied energy
Like embodied energy, embodied water is the water used to create and distribute a product or material (as distinct from water used during its operation). Reducing the amount of embodied water in a product’s manufacture and distribution can lessen its impact on the environment.
Low embodied water
Embodied energy refers to the energy consumed in producing and distributing products and materials. This spans the extraction of resources, processing and manufacturing, and distribution of the final product. Products and materials with low embodied energy generally require simpler manufacturing processes – for example, natural resources such as timber require less processing than aluminium and other metals. Specifying products with low embodied energy can reduce pollution, depletion of resources and degradation of the environment.
Reduces waste or pollution
Streamlined production processes can reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. Environmentally responsible manufacturers focus upon reducing emissions, minimizing waste created during production, and ensuring energy-efficient operation. Waste-reducing production can also reduce costs, as manufacturers can make better use of resources.
Reduces energy consumption
Making use of materials and products that reduce energy consumption can have a major influence on the environmental impact of a building project. Teaming passive design strategies (orientation, building shape, natural lighting and ventilation) with low-energy lighting, thermally efficient insulation and low-e glass can reduce a project’s reliance on heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy consumption. Likewise, use of energy-efficient appliances, alternative energy systems (solar, hydro) and building management systems can also reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
