

Frequently asked questions
We have gathered the answers to the most common questions about our bioclimatic pergolas, canopies, outdoor kitchens and dynamic facades in one place. Click a question to reveal the answer.
General questions (all products)
Soltec is a Slovenian manufacturer of bioclimatic pergolas, canopies and shading systems, with its own development and production in Dobova, on the market since 1998. It is not an importer or an agent for someone else’s product – from consulting and design through production, installation and service you stay in contact with the same company, which matters most when you have a complaint or need spare parts years later.
Is Soltec a stable enough company to still be there for service and spare parts in 10–15 years?
Yes: Soltec has been in business for more than 25 years, has its own development and production, around 50 employees, annual revenue above 5 million euros and more than 6,000 completed projects across Europe, including international projects in France, Switzerland and Austria. For more than five years running the company has held the highest AAA credit rating and carries the platinum certificate of credit excellence (Dun & Bradstreet/Bisnode) – a substantially different and verifiable starting point compared with a small importer or intermediary without its own production.
What is the difference between a manufacturer, an agent and an installer of a pergola or canopy?
A manufacturer develops and builds the structure and takes technical and warranty responsibility for it; an agent sells another manufacturer’s product under its own name and often subcontracts installation; an installer only carries out the physical assembly, often with no link to the manufacturer. With Soltec you are in direct contact with the manufacturer, which shortens the path if a complaint arises.
What are Soltec structures made of?
The load-bearing parts of all lines (pergolas, canopies for terraces and entrances, carports) are made of aluminium and stainless steel, surface-treated with powder coating to EN 12206-1 and the GSB AL 631 guidelines, which ensures long-term resistance to corrosion, weather and colour fading. You choose the colour of the structure when the offer is prepared – your sales advisor will present the full range for your project.
Which standards are Soltec products built to?
Soltec pergolas and canopies are built in accordance with European standards for structural design, loads and drive safety; every product made comes with a technical approval and the CE mark. The standards applied:
- EN 1990 – basis of structural design,
- EN 1991 (parts 1-1, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5) – actions on structures: self-weight and imposed loads, snow, wind, thermal actions,
- EN 1993 – design of steel structures, EN 1999 – design of aluminium structures, EN 1090 – execution,
- EN 1998 – design of structures for earthquake resistance,
- EN 13659 – shutters and external blinds (performance and safety),
- EN 13561 – external awnings (wind resistance classes),
- EN 60335-1 and EN 60335-2-97 – safety requirements for drives of roller shutters, awnings and blinds.
What does the CE mark on a Soltec pergola mean, and why is it connected with the building permit?
The CE mark confirms that the pergola has been built and verified in accordance with the applicable European standards (see the list above) and that the manufacturer takes technical responsibility for it. For a bioclimatic pergola the CE mark also confirms that it is an external shading device in the awnings category under EN 13561, not a fixed building with a roof – and it is precisely this classification that often places a pergola among the simpler cases when the need for a building permit is assessed (see section A5). The final classification for your specific case is always confirmed by the competent authority.
What warranty applies to Soltec products?
A 7-year warranty applies to the coating and the aluminium structure (pergolas and canopies for terraces and entrances), and a 2-year warranty to electronic equipment and components (motors, sensors, controls). For ISO panels (the roof of type F canopies) the warranty applies under the panel supplier’s conditions – that part of the warranty is therefore partly passed on from a third party. All other conditions are set out in the General Terms of Sale and Warranty (in force from 21 January 2025, last amended 8 April 2026).
How do I make a warranty claim?
Warranty claims are made exclusively through the online form on soltec.si, where you attach a description of the fault with photographs, a copy of the invoice and a copy of the handover report; Soltec will notify you whether the claim is justified within 15 days of receipt. The warranty ceases to apply in the event of improper use, modifications or repairs by an unauthorised person, or use outside the product’s specified performance parameters.
The third space is the living area between the fully enclosed interior of the home and the fully open garden or terrace exposed to the weather – it is neither “inside” nor “outside”, but an extension of the living room that works for most of the year, not just for a few weeks in summer. This idea is the common thread running through all Soltec products: the bioclimatic pergola, the canopy, the outdoor kitchen and dynamic facades.
What level of comfort do we aim for in this third space?
The aim is for the comfort of the third space to come as close as possible to the comfort of indoor living areas – roughly 800 lux of illumination and around 22 °C. This is not a technical specification that any structure guarantees at every moment (the actual figures depend on weather, season, orientation and location), but a starting target that guides the choice of model, louvres, shade, ventilation and accessories for each specific project.
How do Soltec products actually bring a space closer to that level of comfort?
We approach the goal of “800 lux and 22 °C” with a combination of elements that we adapt to the situation in every project:
- the rotating louvres of the bioclimatic pergola, which regulate how much direct light and shade there is through the day and through the seasons,
- natural ventilation (the chimney effect), which reduces summer overheating without using energy,
- ZIP blinds and glass or infill panels for additional control of light, wind and privacy,
- dynamic facades and brise-soleil on the building, which use movable panels to regulate solar gain and glare, add privacy and contribute to passive cooling of the rooms behind the facade – the same comfort principle as the pergola, transferred to the building envelope (see section B5),
- heaters (Heliosa, Burda) for comfort in the colder months,
- sensors (wind, rain, temperature, sun) and automation, which adjust the system without manual intervention.
Once we receive your enquiry (terrace dimensions, a photograph, the location and the equipment you want), we prepare an offer, which you confirm with a 50% advance payment. A precise on-site measurement follows; if the actual dimensions or technical details differ from the initial offer, we prepare an addendum to the offer and confirm it together with you. Production begins after confirmation (of the offer or the addendum) and takes 8 to 10 weeks; the remaining 50% falls due 5 days before installation, which we schedule within the production period. Installation is carried out in all cases by Soltec or by our authorised and trained team.
What do I need to prepare before installation (foundations, electrics, drainage)?
Before the terrace is paved, we recommend preparing the foundations for the posts, the electrical supply for the motor, any LED lighting, heating or electric-vehicle charging (in the case of a carport), and the planned drainage. For an outdoor kitchen, also arrange the water supply, the drain and, if required, gas in advance. This avoids having to dig up a finished courtyard later; you will receive a precise list of preparations for your project from your sales advisor together with the offer.
Who carries out the installation and anchoring?
Installation and anchoring are carried out by Soltec or by our authorised and trained team of installers, adapted to the type of substrate and to the findings of the on-site measurement. Incorrect or self-performed anchoring to an existing structure can void the warranty.
What happens at handover?
At handover we inspect the installation together with the customer and sign a handover report noting any shortcomings; faults that are not reported in writing at handover are dealt with through the normal complaints procedure. At handover we also provide brief training on how to use the product and hand over the instructions for use and maintenance.
Servicing is carried out by Soltec with its own service team, and is booked exclusively through the online form on soltec.si. Besides fault repair we also offer preventive inspections of the structure, seals, sensors and moving parts, which we recommend booking regularly even outside warranty cases – wear detected in time extends the life of the system. As a manufacturer with its own development and production, we guarantee access to spare parts even after the warranty has expired; in an industry where customers – particularly in Austria – are markedly concerned about the long-term availability of parts, this is an important advantage over importers without their own production.
Is the pergola waterproof, and who is responsible for the furniture underneath it?
With the louvres closed the pergola is watertight – they are sealed by EPDM gaskets and the water drains into an integrated gutter and downpipes (see section B1). This is not the same as the watertightness of a conservatory or a fixed, permanently closed canopy: the pergola remains a movable structure with joints between louvres, posts and side elements, so complete, one-hundred-percent watertightness of the whole structure cannot be expected in all weather conditions (for example in strong wind that drives rain sideways). Soltec is therefore not liable for wet furnishings or other consequences of rain, snow or wind on movable property under the pergola; we recommend protecting or moving sensitive furniture when bad weather is forecast.
What does the warranty not cover?
The warranty does not cover damage caused by unsuitable or improper use, by modifications or repairs carried out by an unauthorised person, by use outside the product’s performance parameters, or damage due to harmful environmental influences or force majeure. It does not, however, exclude the consumer’s statutory rights arising from the seller’s liability for defects (to be exercised within two years of notifying the defect).
It depends on the size and height of the structure, on whether it is free-standing or structurally connected to a building, and on the local planning rules that apply to your plot. Building rules are national, and often municipal, so there is no single European answer. As a rule of thumb, small free-standing shading structures fall into the simplest category and need no permit, larger or attached structures may require a simplified procedure or notification, and large structures require a full building permit. Always confirm the position for your specific plot with the competent local authority before ordering.
Which category does my pergola or canopy fall into?
Every country classifies structures differently, and the thresholds for surface area, height and depth are amended relatively often, which is why we deliberately do not quote a single figure here that might already be out of date. Before ordering, check the wording currently in force and confirm it with the authority responsible for building matters in your municipality, which can usually issue official information for your plot.
Does Soltec prepare the documentation needed to obtain a permit?
No. Under our General Terms of Sale (point 8.13) the customer is responsible for preparing documentation for administrative procedures and for obtaining any building permits that are required; the customer must also obtain their own designer’s approval regarding the suitability of the chosen type and method of foundation before a canopy is installed. On request Soltec can provide the basic technical data for the chosen model (dimensions, weight, materials, structural data), while the application itself is prepared and submitted by the customer or their designer.
How far from the boundary of the neighbouring plot must the structure be?
A common rule for the simplest structures is that the most exposed part must be set back from the boundary by at least half its own height, but local planning documents can impose stricter rules. Because this is a local rather than a uniform national rule, always check the exact setback for your plot with your municipality or the competent authority.
Do I need my neighbour’s consent?
In some cases, particularly where the required setback from the boundary is not met or where the local planning document requires it, the neighbour’s consent may be necessary. It depends on the specific location and the size of the structure, so we recommend checking in advance with your municipality.
What applies in multi-apartment buildings and for individual apartment owners?
In multi-apartment buildings, installing a pergola or canopy often affects the common parts of the building or changes its external appearance, so the consent of the co-owners is usually required. The scope depends on local legislation and on the rules of the owners’ association.
How do the rules differ between Slovenia, Croatia and Austria?
In Slovenia, construction is governed by the Building Act and by the regulation classifying structures according to the complexity of the works, which distinguishes simple structures (no permit), less demanding structures (a simplified procedure) and demanding structures (a full building permit).
In Croatia, smaller canopies are covered by the Ordinance on simple and other structures and works. As a guide, up to roughly 20 m² neither a permit nor a main design is usually required, between roughly 20 and 50 m² a main design is required, and above that a regular building permit. An open pergola without a rigid roof covering may be treated differently from a pergola with a rigid roof.
In Austria there is no single federal threshold: the building code (Bauordnung) is adopted separately by each of the nine federal states, so the limit below which a pergola or carport is exempt from approval differs between them. Check it for your location with the competent Magistrat or municipality.
Because these thresholds change, treat the figures above as a starting point and confirm them with the competent authority or a local designer before ordering.
Bioclimatic pergolas are built to EN 13561, the standard for shading systems, which defines four wind resistance classes (0–3), where class 3 is the highest resistance (49 km/h, or Beaufort 6, a pressure of 11 kg/m²). Canopies (for terraces and entrances, and carports) are dimensioned to a combined and factored maximum force under EN 1990 and EN 1991 (the Eurocodes), which covers wind, snow and self-weight together, so for these there is no single “wind” or “snow” figure, but a combined maximum force for each model and configuration.
How much wind can a Soltec bioclimatic pergola withstand?
All Soltec bioclimatic pergola structures are approved to the highest wind class 3 under EN 13561 and, with the louvres closed, withstand wind loads of up to 49 km/h. For exposed locations we therefore recommend a wind sensor, which opens the louvres automatically before manual intervention becomes necessary; the actual resistance is also affected by the location, the shape of the terrain and the proximity of larger buildings, which is why a structural calculation is available for every project.
What is the difference between the functional and the ultimate load capacity of a louvre?
The functional load capacity is the load up to which the louvre operates normally, opening, closing and sealing correctly. The ultimate load capacity is substantially higher: it is the extreme safety limit up to which the structure remains safe, but we do not use it as a measure of everyday operation. In every project we allow an additional reserve for snow, wind and other natural influences, so the chosen model always withstands more than is expected in regular use; even so, before heavy snowfall we recommend removing any foreign objects from the roof and making sure the water can drain freely.
Why can two pergolas not be compared on a single figure alone (km/h or kg/m²)?
A claim such as “withstands X km/h of wind” or “X kg/m² of snow” says too little without context, because the actual resistance depends on the combination of span, model, height, method of fixing, roof shape and location: the same structure can have a different load capacity at a small span and at a large one. A sound comparison is therefore only meaningful when both suppliers state the same standard (for example the class under EN 13561) and the same configuration or structural calculation, rather than a single figure quoted on its own.
We recommend seasonal cleaning (spring and autumn) of the louvres, panels, gutters and drains with water, a mild soap solution and a soft brush or cloth, without aggressive cleaning agents or sharp objects that could damage the coated surface or the seals. Near the sea or close to trees, clean more often; remove leaves and pollen from the gutter regularly, because a blocked drain causes water to stand.
How do I prepare the structure for winter?
Before winter, empty and clean the gutters and drains. On models with a lower load capacity the louvres should be open during heavy snowfall, and it is also sensible to open them slightly through the winter to prevent the seals freezing in the closed position. With an outdoor kitchen, drain the water connections before winter and protect or store the equipment.
Do the structures need regular servicing?
Yes. We recommend regular inspections of the automatic sensors, seals and moving parts, carried out by authorised personnel; this extends the life of the system and is a condition for keeping the warranty.
How long can an aluminium structure last?
With correct installation and regular maintenance, the expected service life of Soltec aluminium structures is 20 years and more, which follows from the quality of the aluminium profiles and the powder coating to EN 12206-1 that protects against corrosion.
The ZIP roller blind K130 is a side screen against sun, wind and prying eyes, reaching a maximum height of 2,800 mm and a maximum length of 6,500 mm. The screen fabric is glass fibre coated with PVC (for example the Helioscreen Sergé collection, openness factor OF 3% or 6%), which reduces overheating by up to five times while keeping the view out. It is motor-operated by remote control; on request we add a sensor that raises the blind automatically in wind above 40 km/h.
What other side solutions are available (sliding panels, fixed walls, glass panels)?
Besides the ZIP roller blind K130 we offer:
- H50 sliding panels (aluminium or wood infill), suspended in an upper guide rail,
- FW25 and FI30 ISO fixed walls, along part or the full length of a side,
- G1 glass sliding panels in 10 mm toughened glass, protecting against wind and rain while keeping the view,
- G2 folding glass panels, which allow individual panels to be opened and stacked,
- E300 brise-soleil, TIP 1 aluminium railing, R120 vertical decorative posts and a decorative ceiling of wooden or aluminium slats.
Which sensors, heaters and LED lighting are available?
For added comfort and automation we offer:
- sensors for wind, rain and temperature, and a multi-sensor covering wind, sun, rain, snow and temperature at once,
- Heliosa and Burda heaters for the colder months,
- LED lighting in the rotating louvres, between the slats of the decorative ceiling, in the secondary profiles or above the gutter (lengths 0.5/1/1.5 m; neutral or warm white light, intensity adjustable by remote control),
- a socket and a light on the post.
Can I connect the pergola to a smart home system?
Yes, although it is worth distinguishing between remote control or automation, which is standard, and genuine integration into an existing smart home system. For the latter we provide a suitable interface for the connection, while the integration into your system is normally carried out by your own smart home contractor.
Can I order accessories later, after the original installation?
Yes. ZIP blinds, panels, LED lighting and heating can normally be ordered later as well, but it is often cheaper and technically simpler to install them at the time of the original installation (because of the electrical wiring, for example). Mention any later upgrades to your sales advisor in advance so that they can be taken into account in the structural design.
Questions by product group
A bioclimatic pergola is an outdoor shading structure with a roof of rotating aluminium louvres that you open or close as you wish, regulating light, shade, air and protection from rain. A classic (fixed) pergola cannot do this: it gives only unchanging shade and no protection from rain. “Louvred pergola” is the everyday name for the same type of structure that we officially call a bioclimatic pergola.
More on the product page: Soltec bioclimatic pergola
Which bioclimatic pergola models are available, and how large can the structure be?
Six models are available (SL 170/28, SL 170/36, SL 170/42, SL 240/36, SL 240/42, SL 240/60), differing in load capacity and span; the choice of model is based on a structural calculation for your specific project. The key advantage is that we can build the structure in a single piece up to a 9-metre span, without interruption by secondary supporting profiles: the louvres are not divided into visibly separate bays but run across the whole roof in one clean, uninterrupted surface. Larger areas are covered with several modules, which we connect into a single whole in both appearance and function.
Is the bioclimatic pergola watertight, and where does the water go when it rains?
With the louvres closed, the pergola is protected from rain by a patented solution (patent no. SI 24401 A): EPDM seals between the louvres and an overlapping profile. The closed louvres are tilted slightly away from the motor, the water drains into an integrated gutter in the frame, from there into the corners and on through the posts or a planned outlet (2–3 drains, depending on size). It is important to distinguish: this is a high level of protection from rain with the louvres closed, but it is not the same as the watertightness of a conservatory or a fixed, permanently closed canopy. The pergola remains a movable structure with joints, so one-hundred-percent watertightness of the whole structure cannot be expected in all conditions (see also section A4).
How much wind and snow can a bioclimatic pergola withstand?
With the louvres closed the structure withstands wind up to 49 km/h (class 3 under EN 13561); the precise snow load capacity depends on the model and the span and is determined by the structural calculation for your project. This is answered in detail in the shared section A6.
How much light and heat does the pergola regulate?
Open louvres let in the most light and air, partly open louvres allow gradual regulation, and fully closed louvres give the most shade and protection from rain but the least light. In winter, when the sun is lower, open louvres let light reach deeper into the room than in summer. Combined with opening the louvres for ventilation (the chimney effect), you achieve natural cooling without using energy, which is one of the ways Soltec products contribute to the comfort of the “third space” described in section A2.
Why does it matter that the motor is concealed inside the profile, and what happens if it fails?
The motor is built into the aluminium profile and is not exposed on the visible part of the structure, which protects it from rain, sun (UV) and dirt and extends its life, while keeping the pergola calm and clean in appearance, with no visible machinery on the roof. In the event of a fault, service engineers reach the motor through the profile, without dismantling the whole structure. Pergolas longer than 6 m have two synchronised linear motors for more even operation; in a power cut the louvres stop in their current position, and before an expected storm it is advisable to leave them open.
Why are the pergola louvres set perpendicular to the building?
The louvres are normally set perpendicular to the facade rather than parallel to it, so that with the louvres closed the water drains into the integrated gutter along the outer edge of the structure and away from the facade rather than towards it. This orientation also gives more even shade through the day as the sun moves, and a short, simple connection to the drainage system in the posts. A different orientation is possible on individual projects if the shape of the terrace or the building calls for it; the designer decides this during the on-site measurement.
Can I upgrade the bioclimatic pergola later (ZIP, glass, LED, heating)?
Yes. All the accessories described in section A8 are normally available later as well, although it is often cheaper and simpler to order them with the original installation.
A bioclimatic pergola is a movable system with rotating louvres, whereas a canopy is a permanent roof structure with fixed covering and no controls. Choose a canopy when you want constant protection from the weather and simpler maintenance, and a pergola when you want control over light, shade and ventilation throughout the year. Visually they can be matched perfectly, but structurally they are two different systems.
More on the product page: Soltec canopy for terraces and entrances
What is the difference between a type F and a type G canopy?
Model F has a roof of ISO panel: excellent thermal insulation and an opaque roof, suitable for entrances, terraces or parking areas, with a higher permitted roof load. Model G has a roof structure prepared for glass covering, that is, a light-transmitting roof. The two types can be combined freely within the same structure, and the choice depends on whether you want a closed, insulated roof or as much natural light as possible.
What is a combined canopy, and which infills are available?
A combined canopy is a single structure in which you freely combine different roof infills: ISO panel (type F), glass covering (type G), a bioclimatic pergola with rotating louvres, or several infills at once. It is designed as a whole for a unified appearance, with each part of the roof performing its own function (for example a fixed, insulated section over the dining area and louvres over the sunbathing area). As with the pergola, we build the structure up to a 9-metre span without interruption by secondary profiles, giving a clean, uninterrupted appearance rather than one assembled from visibly separate bays. The combined canopy also works very well together with a Soltec outdoor kitchen.
More on the product page: Combined canopy – pergola, canopy and kitchen in one structure
Both models, F and SL, are available for two or more cars and are made entirely to measure for your space and vehicles: there are no standard, predetermined sizes. They differ mainly in shape and in the range of accessories. Model F offers a wider range of accessories (a storage shed and LED lighting, for example) and adaptable design, while model SL is designed modularly, for a unified, extended structure across several parking spaces. Both are made of aluminium and stainless steel for a long service life with minimal maintenance; we choose the right model for your case according to the number of vehicles, the space available and the accessories you want.
More on the product page: Soltec Carport
How much does a carport cost?
The price is not published and depends on the model (F or SL), the dimensions, the materials and the accessories (storage shed, LED lighting). We prepare it on the basis of your enquiry, because each carport is made to measure.
Is a carport for two or more cars possible, and can storage space be added?
Yes. Both models, F and SL, are designed for two or more vehicles, since they are made to measure according to the number of vehicles and the space available; a storage shed for tyres, tools and bicycles can be added to either.
An outdoor kitchen extends outdoor living through most of the year, moving cooking, socialising and eating from indoors onto the terrace, while sparing the indoor kitchen the smells and the heat of summer evenings. It is made of weather-resistant materials, designed for easy everyday use and maintenance, and we match its appearance to the pergola, the canopy or the facade so that it becomes a natural part of the “third space” (see section A2).
More on the product page: Soltec outdoor kitchen
What price bracket does the Soltec outdoor kitchen fall into?
The Soltec outdoor kitchen belongs to the upper middle price bracket: it is a high-quality, made-to-measure solution with weather-resistant materials and a Dekton worktop, not a basic, factory-produced kitchen. The final price depends on the size, the built-in appliances chosen and the layout, so we prepare it on the basis of your enquiry.
What is the worktop of the outdoor kitchen made of?
The worktop is made of Dekton, 2 cm thick, an exceptionally resistant material that stands up to scratches, high temperatures, UV light and the weather, which makes it suitable for permanent outdoor use without losing its appearance over the years.
What layouts are available for the outdoor kitchen?
Most often we build linear kitchens, with the units arranged in a straight line along a wall, a railing or the edge of the terrace, which is space-efficient, easy to plan and connects well with a pergola or canopy above it. We adapt the layout to the shape and size of your terrace.
Is the outdoor kitchen easy to install and to use?
Yes, and this is one of its key advantages: the structure and the built-in appliances are designed for straightforward installation (once the water, electricity, drainage and, if needed, gas connections have been prepared) and for simple everyday use and cleaning, with no maintenance requirements beyond those of ordinary outdoor kitchen equipment.
What do I need to prepare before the outdoor kitchen is installed?
Arrange the water connection, the electricity, the drain and, if required, the gas supply for the built-in appliances in advance, so that the paved terrace does not have to be opened up again afterwards.
Does it make sense to place the outdoor kitchen under a pergola or canopy?
Yes. A combined canopy or a bioclimatic pergola protects the kitchen from sun, rain and wind and extends the season in which it can be used, while creating a unified “third space” as described in section A2.
A dynamic facade is a system of movable aluminium panels on the outside of a building, which the user or the automation opens, closes or partly closes as needed, regulating solar gain, shade, privacy and the appearance of the facade. It is used mainly on commercial, hospitality and larger residential buildings (the architectural segment), and also on more demanding private projects where the facade is an important design element.
More on the product page: Soltec dynamic facades
Which panel types does Soltec offer for dynamic facades?
Soltec offers three basic types of movable panel, chosen according to the shape of the facade, the movement required and the architectural design:
- sliding panels, which move parallel to the facade, alongside one another, and are suitable for demanding, windy locations as well,
- folding panels, which fold concertina-style to the side of the opening, allowing them to be stored compactly in a small area,
- lifting panels, which are raised vertically and, besides shading, allow control of daylight, glare and passive cooling of the room behind the panel.
What is a brise-soleil, and how does it differ from a dynamic facade?
Brise-soleil are fixed or adjustable shading elements (louvres or slats) in front of a facade or a window. They are not part of the movable (dynamic) panel system but a separate, generally simpler product for shading, facade design and additional privacy. We use them on their own or in combination with other Soltec products, where the full mobility of a panel is not required.
What are the advantages of a dynamic facade – what does it do?
A dynamic facade performs several functions at once:
- shading and protection against overheating of the rooms behind the facade in direct sun,
- control of daylight and glare, which improves comfort for the people inside the building,
- privacy from outside view, while natural ventilation is preserved,
- energy efficiency, with less need for cooling in summer thanks to appropriate passive solar protection,
- architectural identity, as the movable panels change the appearance of the facade through the day and give the building a distinctive, contemporary look.
How does Soltec work with architects on dynamic facade projects?
We treat every dynamic facade project individually: our engineers and architects work with the building’s external designer from the design stage onwards, we carry out a site visit and propose the panel type, the extent of opening and the control method that suit both the function (shading, privacy, cooling) and the architectural design of the facade. The system is modular, so it can be adapted to non-standard facade shapes and sizes as well; installation is carried out in all cases by Soltec or by our authorised and trained team.
Where have Soltec dynamic facades and brise-soleil already been used?
Reference projects include the dynamic facade at the Brežice Health Centre and at Hotel Blu Mare, sliding shading panels at a coastal resort in Croatia, and brise-soleil on a facade project in Paris: concrete examples from the architectural and commercial segment.
Are dynamic facades suitable for smaller, private buildings as well?
Yes. Although they are often used on larger commercial or hospitality buildings, individual elements (brise-soleil, smaller sliding, folding or lifting panels) are also useful on private houses for shading windows and terraces, or as a visual screen for privacy.