Sweltering 28c cricket penthouse with ‘front row seats’ is finally a huge hit thanks to passive house solution.
When a block of penthouse flats were built overlooking Gloucester County Cricket Ground in Bristol, architects were keen to make the most of the breathtaking views of the cricket pitch.
They installed large windows and French doors inviting as much light as possible into the space, providing a second-to-none cricket experience with owners able to watch the action from the comfort of their own home.
For cricket enthusiasts, it was akin to having a free front-row seat to every match.
However, it wasn’t too long before this show-stopping feature revealed a significant downside, as temperatures indoors began to soar to uncomfortable levels, leaving residents in intolerable conditions.
The issue was, the building was cocooned in expansive glass surfaces which allowed infrared rays from the sun to penetrate and become trapped inside, causing a sweltering greenhouse effect.
On the hunt for a resolution to the problem, developers approached UK based blinds and shading specialist, Kensington Blinds.
Brian Farr, in-house blinds expert and Sales Director at Kensington Blinds, explained: “The construction company had a massive problem.
“They built these marvellous properties in a unique location, and because the building was in a higher-up position and fully exposed to the light of the sun, it experienced considerable heat gain.
“Homeowners reported that temperatures inside the building would soar to some 28°C, even on relatively mild days, so they called us to see what we could do to help.
“With 40 years experience in the blinds and shading industry, here at Kensington Blinds we understand that the most effective way to prevent heat buildup is to stop it from entering the building in the first place.
“We knew that if we installed exterior blinds on the windows, the open weave of the fibreglass fabric used in these blinds would allow natural light to pass through while reflecting the heat away before it enters the room.”
After liaising with the development company, Kensington Blinds fitted exterior blinds for six penthouses in just one week, and the results spoke for themselves.
Brian said: “The installation of these motorised blinds proved highly successful, bringing the average indoor temperature down to a comfortable 21°C. We reduced temperatures by a remarkable 7°C, without obstructing the view of the cricket pitch – the impact really was impressive.
“It was great to see just how productive external blinds are as an effective solution for overheating,” Brian added, “This was probably when we really realised the sheer impact of the product, and how massive it was going to be for insulating properties sustainably.
“Not only are they effective, but they are easily controlled via remote so homeowners can adjust them as needed, ensuring both comfort and convenience at the touch of a button.”
