External solar shading for schools — Vrije Basisschool De Robbert, Hamont-Achel

Motorised external solar shading as a solution to overheating in school buildings

When external solar shading is the only reliable way to ensure thermal comfort, the choice of system demands careful thought. Vrije Basisschool De Robbert in Hamont-Achel chose motorised external solar shading that keep heat at bay without closing off the sense of space and openness. The project shows how projection-arm blinds deliver real value in both refurbishment and new build.

A school reimagined: renovation with purpose

De Robbert school in Hamont-Achel is undergoing a thorough transformation. The Catholic primary school has grown organically over the years as a patchwork of connected buildings. Working together with the municipality of Hamont and the school’s governing body, a shared vision emerged for reopening and reintegrating the surrounding public spaces.

Architecture practices M10 architecten and hvh-architecten set out on a radical transformation centred on the concept of the ‘open school’. Through a combination of demolition and new construction, the school became visually more visible and welcoming, while a newly created public space between the school and the buildings along the Wal established a visual connection with the town centre.

Design challenge: solar protection for tall façade glazing

The south-facing façade and the unusually tall windows of the existing A-block posed a significant challenge for architect Elisabet Viérin (M10 architecten). Overheating was a genuine problem: interactive whiteboards were barely legible in direct sunlight, and classrooms were becoming uncomfortably warm. At the same time, any solution had to stay true to the project’s founding principle - no enclosed, oppressive spaces.

The design brief: how do you fit external solar shading to tall windows that blocks heat but keeps daylight and views intact?

Why the DucoScreen Top 120 CAP?

After a comparative review, the DucoScreen Top 120 CAP was selected. This motorised projection-arm solar shading combines effective solar protection with preserved daylight and outward views - precisely what the school’s educational ethos called for.

How the projection-arm solar shading works

The solar fabric of the DucoScreen Top 120 CAP is mounted on a projection arm that first drops vertically before automatically angling out to up to 90°. This deployment creates a shading plane that:

• Intercepts solar heat before it reaches the glass
• Preserves natural light for a comfortable indoor environment
• Maintains outward visibility - essential for the wellbeing of pupils and staff

Technical specifications and key benefits

Drive and control:

• Fully motorised blinds for ease of use
• Wind protection up to 50 km/h (standard on the CAP version)
• Independent operation per blind

Applicability:

• Suitable for both refurbishment and new build
• Compatible with natural ventilation
• Effective on extremely tall windows where other shading systems fall short

Aesthetics:

• Fabric colour selected to complement the façade
• Slim profile that reinforces the building’s open character

Cost of external solar shading: an investment in long-term comfort

While precise costs vary from project to project, De Robbert demonstrates that external solar shading offers a structural response to energy efficiency. By deflecting solar heat before it enters the building, the system significantly reduces cooling loads - a critical factor in energy management for educational buildings.

The DucoScreen Top 120 CAP balances upfront investment with lasting performance: robust construction, low maintenance requirements and resistance to Belgian weather conditions.

Architectural integration: form following function

The external solar shading directly contributes to the architectural identity of the project. The ambition to avoid ‘closed boxes’ - a core value of the design - is fully supported by the projection-arm principle.

Tangible benefits for the school:

• Thermal comfort in classrooms regardless of season or sun intensity
• Legibility of digital teaching equipment guaranteed
• Visual connection with the outdoor environment maintained
• Consistent shading solution across the entire school complex

For full blackout (for presentations, for example), interior curtains were provided as a complementary measure. The external shading focuses primarily on heat management - and in that regard, the system performs excellently.

User feedback: positive results in practice

Both the client and the school staff have given the system a positive assessment. The motorised blinds perform as specified: heat stays outside, light comes in, and the open character of the learning environment is preserved.

The collaboration during the design and construction phases also provided DUCO with valuable insights to improve on-site guidance and service - a commitment that lays the groundwork for future projects.

Lessons learnt: one system across diverse building types

A notable decision in this project was the consistent use of the DucoScreen Top 120 CAP across all parts of the complex. Both the refurbished A-block with its extreme window heights and the new-build sections received the same system. This consistency pays dividends in maintenance, spare parts management and day-to-day use.

The system was installed on both new and existing buildings, with and without integrated ventilation grilles. The visual difference is barely noticeable, which preserves the architectural coherence and keeps management of the whole site straightforward.

Conclusion: external solar shading as a design foundation

De Robbert school demonstrates how solar comfort is not an afterthought but an integral part of contemporary school design. The choice of external projection-arm blinds brings together thermal performance, architectural quality and ease of use.

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Project details:

• Client: Katholiek Basisonderwijs Hamont-Achel
• Architects: M10 architecten, hvh-architecten
• Period: February 2023 — April 2025
• Shading system: DucoScreen Top 120 CAP + DucoTwin
• Supplier: DUCO Ventilation & Sun Control