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Why don't we use awnings anymore (2022)

(thecraftsmanblog.com)
413 points samclemens | 1 comments | 15 Oct 24 22:11 UTC | HN request time: 0.218s | source
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pistoleer ◴[16 Oct 24 07:10 UTC] No.41856374[source]▶
It surprises me to read about "fixed metal frame" awnings. You don't _have_ to make that trade off.

In the Netherlands a lot of houses have electrically retractable awnings (or even just mechanically windable by hand), especially above the giant windows facing the back yard.

During winter and bad weather, we retract the awning. When it's too sunny, we deploy it.

typical row house layout with big windows on both sides: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doorzonwoning

retractable awning: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zonnescherm

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ninalanyon ◴[16 Oct 24 10:37 UTC] No.41857558[source]▶
In Norway we have them with sensors for wind speed and sun so that they are deployed automatically to shade the window and retracted if the wind rises too high.
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1. bafe ◴[16 Oct 24 20:37 UTC] No.41863594[source]▶
In Switzerland most offices and the majority of houses have exterior metal slat blinds or rolling shutters. Almost all are operated electrically and quite a few are controlled by inputs from wind and sunlight sensors. Since you can adjust the angle of the slats you can significantly cut down solar gains and glare while still providing ventilation and natural light