April 9 2009

RETROSolar: Light Redirecting Window Blinds

RETROSolar is a German company known for producing complex aluminum roll formed profiles for the building industry, notably advanced reflector technology for daylighting systems, light fixtures, and dropped ceilings. Design of the systems shows significant research on the part of Retrosolar into maximizing the efficient use of available light through the use of geometrically optimized reflectors, all of which have characteristic radiuses or angles in their profiles. The products are ideal for multi-floor buildings where access to daylight through the ceiling plane is not practical and where light is primarily being delivered from one side of the occupied space. Retrosolar allows sustainable designers to optimize the lighting performance of a space, something especially important when limitations on natural and artificial light become obstacles to providing the needed foot-candle levels within a space. Efficiency is a big part of sustainability and these products accomplish both through simple innovations on an already widespread technology.

(above) an example of the Retrosolar Retrolux blind system and a brief explanation of how the geometry affects the reflection of light deep into the room

I am most familiar with the Retrosolar Retrolux product which is essentially an advanced horizontal mini blind/louver system. The product can be installed on the interior or between the glazing and can be controlled manually or by an input controlled motor. Innovative geometry on each blind acts to reflect daylight out of the building and throw light deep into the building interior depending on the rotation of the blinds. My experience from the Center for Building Performance at CMU is that the blinds performed exceedingly well when compared to traditional mini blinds which neither effectively daylight or shade the interior space. When reviewing options for daylighting in the context of designing a building envelope, it worth considering that these shades are also rather attractive. In contrast to aesthetically banal standard blinds, the build quality and appearance of the Retrolux is robust and attractive.

Another innovative product introduced by Retrosolar is Retrolight. The system improves the traditional dropped acoustic ceiling by introducing a ribbed ceiling plane which uses the same geometrical tricks seen in the Retrolux to reflect light from windows, light shelves, and indirect lights deep into a space. Again the product simply makes the ceiling plane more efficient at spreading light evenly throughout a room which can mean the difference between good and bad daylighting for sustainable project with limited lighting availability.

It is great to see this type of optimization happening in the building industry. I feel very strongly that the best innovations are oftentimes subtle intelligent modifications of already existing or syntheses of different technologies. The Retrosolar product line is to me a clear example of how manufacturers can have a positive impact on the sustainability of buildings by designing smarter products.

For more information on please visit the RETROSolar website. Further description of their products can be found at D-Lite.

April 9th, 2009 at 3:10 AM. Posted in Products + Technology. Share this post.