How do curtain walls improve daylighting while controlling solar heat gain?

Aluminum glass curtain walls are an excellent tool for maximizing natural daylight while controlling solar heat gain—an important balance in sun-drenched Middle Eastern cities like Abu Dhabi and Alexandria. The key is selecting glazing that transmits visible light efficiently while reflecting or absorbing near-infrared radiation. Low-E coatings and spectrally selective glasses allow high visible light transmission with reduced solar heat gain coefficients. Patterned frits, ceramic coatings, and selective opacity areas reduce glare while maintaining transparency. External shading devices—horizontal fins on south-facing façades and vertical fins on east/west façades—block direct solar angles during peak sun hours and are easily integrated into aluminum framing. Interior solutions such as automated blinds coordinated with daylight sensors further refine comfort without sacrificing daylight. Daylight-dimming controls tied to lighting systems reduce electric lighting loads when natural light is available. When designers consider orientation, occupant use patterns, and local sun paths in Riyadh, Doha, or Manama, aluminum curtain wall systems can deliver bright, well-lit interiors with minimized cooling penalties.