Transparent Solar Control on the Basis of Prismatically Structured Sandwich Elements (SOPRI)

This project dealt with developing a rather special type of blind. Conventional blinds basically have only one function – to cut out daylight. However, in doing so they also at least partially block out the view out of and into the room. We are all aware that daylight is more pleasant than artificial light – and obviously more environmentally-conscious – yet what can be done to cut out the dazzle of the sun but retain the view to the outside?

The answer is SOPRI – transparent solar control on the basis of prismatically structured sandwich elements. In comparison to conventional blinds, this development has not one, but three functions: solar control, the view to the outside as well as contributing to pleasant room illumination by way of diffuse light.

The slats of the blind consist of prismatic elements, causing the light which hits the slats horizontally to be reflected back while the daylight which comes in at a slant is transmitted undeflected into the room. This concept is not new, but the systems currently on the market have considerable room for improvement. The aim of SOPRI was therefore to further develop the “transparent blind” to make it as cheap, practical to handle and robust as possible.

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