Heat-filtering glass

Recommendation 86
Apply heat-filtering glass against solar gain

Chapter (theme)
Architectural spaces (temperature)

Because of
sensory sensitivity (warmth), stereotypical patterns: rigidity

In order to
contribute to the thermal comfort in order to create a better learning environment.

Elaboration
In the theme temperature it becomes clear that people with autism can have problems with the (semi-)conscious regulation of body temperature. For a small to very small group of people on the spectrum this problem is of a magnitude that it can prevent one from living independently unless special measures are taken. This can – among other things – be achieved by measures preventing solar heat entering through windows, skylights and other facade-openings. There are various technologies on the market with which this can be achieved: heat/infra-red absorbing glass, heat control films or sheets, exterior shielding, etc.

Two additional matters need to be raised. First, next to prevention of solar gain, energy saving should also be a concern. In cold months incoming heat from the sun can help save energy (and money) for heating. Al-Mohaisen & Khattab mention ‘high-performance’ windows which achieve both: keeping out solar heat in warm months and letting it in in warm months.
The other point is the relation with measures against sunlight. When incoming sunlight is avoided altogether (recommendation 79), measures against incoming heat from the sun are unnecessary. If, on the other hand, windows or other façade-openings are directly exposed to the sun (recommendation 77), then heat and light measures need to be combined.

*
a small to very small group

The size of this group is unknown to us.
Al-Mohaisen & Khattab
Al-Mohaisen, Abdullah, and Omar Khattab, ‘Green Classroom: Daylighting conscious Design for Kuwait Autism Center’, In: GBER 5(2006)3, 11-19. PDF
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