Gulf Construction Online - Suntec keeps the sunlight in check

Saudi Review

A hotel renovated using a Gallop system.

Suntec keeps the sunlight in check

01 MARCH 2001

Jeddah-based Suntec is offering solutions for buildings where controlled sunlight, heat gains and glare are important issues to designers and engineers.

"The harsh Middle East's harsh climate has taken its toll on older glass buildings on our skyline which were once state-of-the-art,'' says a spokesman for Suntec. ''Inhabitants of these buildings must remain behind thick curtains or blinds with air-conditioners working.''

Suntec, a new specialist division of the Shairco Group, has a solution.

The firm is already known for its specialist skylights and is the sole manufacturer and installer for Gallop shading systems in the Middle East. These systems are designed to contribute to "the advanced needs of buildings where controlled sunlight, heat gains and glare are highly considered by designers and engineers," he says.

According to the spokesman, Suntec has taken on the role of overcladding existing buildings, thus offering twofold benefits: An aluminium shading system, which protects the building from harmful ultraviolet rays and direct solar heat gain, resulting in cooler glass surfaces, eliminating the need for internal blinds/curtains, and savings in air-conditioning maintenance.

He says the other benefit is that the shading systems cost a fraction of the cost of a new building.

Elaborating on the systems, the spokesman says they can be fixed at an angle or moveable to allow either full opening/closure or "smart" wired to follow the sun's movements via a sensor station. The design configuration may be vertical, sloped or even horizontal, while aesthetics and practicality are carefully maintained.

The company has paid considerable attention to designing and testing materials to ensure corrosion protection and hence long life and eliminate maintenance costs. This has paid dividends, even in marine applications, according to the spokesman.

Gallop shading systems are also designed for skylights, offices, shopfronts, car shading, fencing, pool fencing and security blinds.

Using advanced structural design techniques, Gallop has developed a wide range of patented skylight designs for varied applications including widespan rooflights; pyramid skylights; curved glazing including specialised curtain walling; dome skylights and spaceframe skylights.

Gallop Skylight Designs is based in Nicosia, Cyprus.