RHODESHADE Technology Targeted solar control.
Inspired by space. Engineered for buildings.
In space, materials must manage radiation, control temperature and protect what lies behind them. RHODESHADE shade films apply this principle to buildings. The films are multi-layer high-performance materials for interior shading systems. They reflect solar radiation back through the glazing and reduce heat and glare indoors.
At the same time, they preserve natural daylight and clear outward views – for greater indoor comfort and higher energy efficiency.
The Challenge
Glass brings daylight.
It also brings solar load.
Large glazed areas create bright spaces and open views. At the same time, intense sunlight can cause glare and overheating.
When incoming solar radiation is absorbed by furnishings or conventional interior shading, this energy is converted into heat and released into the room.
The impact:
- Excessive solar heat gain
- Uncontrolled glare
- Increased cooling demand
- Higher operating costs
- Reduced thermal and visual comfort
The Insight
Radiation is not the problem.
Absorption is.
Effective solar control reduces absorption indoors. The more solar radiation is reflected back outside, the less energy heats the shading, surfaces and rooms.
RHODESHADE uses this physical principle to reduce solar heat gain – directly behind the glazing and protected from wind and weather.
MORE REFLECTION. LESS HEAT GAIN.
The RHODESHADE principle Reflect. Reject. Protect.
Mounted on the inside, RHODESHADE shade films reflect a significant share of solar energy back through the glazing. As a result, less energy is absorbed indoors and converted into heat.
Depending on the film type and glazing combination, up to 90 % of solar energy can be rejected.
Results:
- Reduced solar heat gain
- Controlled glare
- Reduced cooling costs
- Preserved daylight and outward views
- Improved thermal comfort
How it works
RHODESHADE — the smartest solution
to control solar energy.
RHODESHADE is not a conventional textile. It is a precision-engineered multi-layer film material whose functional layers combine reflection, glare control, transparency, color effect and durability.
Multi-layer shade film
Clear PET film – Provides dimensional stability and transparency.
Functional metal coating – Reflects solar radiation.
Dyed PET film – Provides glare control and visual comfort.
Embossing and pleating also provide dimensional stability, even light diffusion and long-lasting performance.
The result: effective interior solar control – with less heat gain and glare, without sacrificing natural daylight and clear outward views.
Independent Testing & Classification Measured using recognized methods.
RHODESHADE performance is validated through recognized test methods and independent laboratory testing. The product documentation supports film selection, system integration and project planning.
RHODETEC SiGr01 was tested and classified by Fraunhofer ISE: „The tested product achieves the highest possible rating in the ‚Glare control‘ category, being classified as Class 4 according to EN 14501:2021, meaning that its influence on controlling glare is very good. Its effect on an unobstructed view to the outside is moderate, being classified as Class 2 in the category ‚Visual contact with the outside‘ of EN 14501:2021.“
For measurements supporting this classification, see Fraunhofer ISE report TLSF-2501-015.
STANDARDS & TESTING
EN 14500 / EN 410 · ASTM E 903 · ISO 52022-3 · EN 14501 · EN 13501-1 · NFPA 701
Sustainability & certifications Sustainability through performance.
By reducing solar heat gain and cooling demand, RHODESHADE supports energy-efficient building strategies and contributes to sustainability goals in LEED, WELL, DGNB and BREEAM projects.
Potential contributions to LEED v5
- Energy and emissions performance
- Decarbonization strategies
- Peak thermal load reduction
- Daylight and quality views
- Solar glare and color rendering
- Occupant comfort and resilience
- Indoor air quality objectives
Proof of Performance Proven performance.
The charts below show the potential annual cooling energy savings calculated with RHODESHADE shade film across different locations and climate conditions.
- Office floor size:
- 1,134 m² / 12,206 ft²
- Window area:
- 350 m² / 3,767 ft²
- Glazing orientation:
- All directions
- Glazing:
- SHGC: 0.40 | U-value: 1.41 W/m²K / 0.25 Btu/(h ft² °F)
- Solar shade:
- RHODESHADE SiGr01
- Shading control:
- Reject heat (summer) + gain heat (winter)
- Calculation / simulation using
- ESBO software (version 4.2.4)
Cooling energy savings per year
Barcelona, Spain
Los Angeles, CA
Milan, Italy
Atlanta, GA
The figures indicate the savings compared with a building without a solar shading system. Complete simulation assumptions, input and boundary conditions are available from RHODETEC upon request.