In this second article of the series, we delve deeper into overheating—what causes it, why it matters, and how holistic solutions can future-proof commercial buildings for long-term success.
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2003 saw record breaking temperatures in France as extreme heat caused emergencies at hospitals and the closure of hundreds of schools. Regarded as unprecedented at the time, the country was hit again in subsequent years. A special project has now been launched to mitigate overheating in school buildings. Alexis Damia, Public Affairs Manager for Somfy, delves into this retrofit programme that futureproofs buildings and protects children and teachers from overheating during the next heatwave.
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Germany’s housing sector is facing mounting pressure to deliver climate-resilient homes at a time when rising construction costs and economic challenges are adding to a deepening affordability crisis. The German Representative Office of the Transparent Building Envelope (Repräsentanz Transparente Gebäudehülle/RTG) has commissioned a study on this topic, conducted by specialist construction engineering firm and consultant to the German government Ingenieurbüro Hauser (IBH). Key findings: Both new and existing buildings in Germany are dangerously under prepared for the intensifying heat stress that lies ahead. Thomas Drinkuth, Head of the industry representation RTG, explores the key findings and the practical solutions that could help mitigate the impact.
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Buildings may meet every regulation on paper yet fall short in real life when human behaviour enters the equation. In this article, façade engineer Aibiokunla Osunde-Ogbebor explores why traditional design assumptions often fail in practice, from thermal comfort and ventilation to occupant safety, window use and everyday habits, and makes the case for intuitive, human centred design that reflects how people truly live and work.
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Whether you're a night owl or a lark, the demands of work and school often pull us out of sync with the natural times when we feel most alert. Two key influences – light and body temperature – play a significant role in how energised and focused we feel throughout the day, yet they’re frequently overlooked. In this article, Dr Marije te Kulve explores how these subtle but powerful factors shape our alertness, and what we can do to better align with them.
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Standing 278 metres tall, the glass façade of 22 Bishopsgate in London’s financial district, is visually striking. Celebrated as a smart hub, this landmark office building has been engineered with daylight and sustainability at the heart of its operation. Elliot Chmielinski, head of projects UK and Ireland for the Somfy Group, explores the solutions used to transform the indoor experience of this unique workspace.
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As rising temperatures and heatwaves become more common, it’s time to rethink how comfort, safety and care are designed into dementia-friendly spaces in care homes. Here, Alain Vandecauter, Business Development Manager Somfy Belux, explores the challenges faced in care home settings and why dynamic solar shading can outsmart overheating in care homes.
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As temperatures rise, maintaining a good indoor climate in schools is essential. Overheating in classrooms affects the wellbeing, health, and learning performance of students and teachers.
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