←back to thread

413 points samclemens | 3 comments | | HN request time: 0.001s | source
Show context
AlexErrant ◴[] No.41854344[source]
The "Technology Connections" youtube channel recently discussed awnings too. (And it had more or less the same message as this blog.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhbDfi7Ee7k

replies(2): >>41854624 #>>41861875 #
malfist ◴[] No.41854624[source]
And that has way more details than this. The only why supplied here is "we forgot" and "AC"
replies(5): >>41854781 #>>41854800 #>>41855852 #>>41859546 #>>41860062 #
zahlman ◴[] No.41854781[source]
The TC video has a lot of details about why awnings are a great idea, and about how other places are still using them and getting good results; but the reasoning offered for why we don't use them any more... still boils down to "we forgot" and "AC".

Because those are the actual reasons.

replies(3): >>41855310 #>>41857175 #>>41858570 #
michaelt ◴[] No.41857175[source]
AC was indeed important. But also:

We still sometimes use things like awnings, just in the form of 'porches' or modern-looking 'slat awnings'

Changes in architectural fashion has made some forms of awning look dated.

Fabric awnings need upkeep to keep them looking smart. When the awnings are above ground level, it's semi-expensive upkeep. Building owners are tempted to keep those tired, sun-bleached awnings in place rather than renewing them - contributing to the dated reputation of awnings.

Awnings also face competition from interior curtains and blinds, which are much simpler to maintain.

And there's shifting building use. A few decades ago an office worker would prize a desk by a big window with lots of natural light to read paperwork by, but in the age of PCs nobody wants direct sunlight on their screen. Internal blinds let workers control the light levels to match their needs.

replies(3): >>41857797 #>>41860467 #>>41860767 #
upofadown ◴[] No.41857797[source]
>Awnings also face competition from interior curtains and blinds, which are much simpler to maintain.

But not significant competition. If the blinds are very reflective a small amount of sunlight might end up going out again but in general, once the solar radiation converts to heat you can't get it back out through the window. That is particularly true for modern multi-pane windows.

replies(3): >>41857985 #>>41858918 #>>41863418 #
ygra ◴[] No.41857985[source]
That's why shutters (roller or hinged) exist that are on the outside of the windows. Here in Southern Germany pretty much every window has them and since they block the sun outside the window, it can help a lot not getting the interior too warm.
replies(2): >>41858932 #>>41859796 #
1. Retric ◴[] No.41858932{3}[source]
External shudders don’t help when it’s 100+f at night and they are just as hot as the surroundings. This is why they’re common in Europe but not tropical countries.
replies(2): >>41870017 #>>41873596 #
2. potatoz2 ◴[] No.41870017[source]
Of course they help in those climates too. It's better if it's 100F inside than 120F, which is what you'll get if you let the sun in with no shade-making device. You'll find ways to get shade in every hot climate, whether arid or humid and no matter what the night temperatures are.
3. neuralRiot ◴[] No.41873596[source]
On the contrary, external shutters that are also blinds or bamboo shutters are very common in tropical climates as they allow air circulation while stopping sunlight.