Atriums and large-scale glazed roofs create a specific thermal challenge: the greenhouse effect amplified by the trapped air volume between the glazed surfaces and the circulation level below. In shopping centres, hotels, and commercial buildings featuring this type of structure, summer temperatures can exceed regulatory comfort thresholds. At the same time, accessing these surfaces — to install solar protection or carry out maintenance — involves specific logistical constraints.
The Thermal Problem with Atriums
An untreated atrium behaves like a greenhouse. Incident solar radiation penetrates the roof or inclined glazed walls, heats interior masses (floors, structures, furniture), and becomes trapped by the glazed envelope, which blocks a portion of the long-wave infrared radiation re-emitted by those masses.
The effect is amplified by the thermal inertia of the air volume: heat rises through convection and accumulates in the upper part of the space, creating a significant temperature gradient between the lower zone (occupied area) and the top of the atrium. Without any glazing treatment, this gradient can exceed 10°C in a four- to five-storey building.
Solar control acts at the source: by reducing the incoming solar energy flux through the glazing, the film limits temperature rise throughout the entire volume.
Solar Control Solutions for High-Level Glazing
Retrofit Solar Control Films
Applying a solar control film to existing atrium glazing is the most common solution for buildings in operation, as it requires neither replacement of the glazed elements nor structural modification. The film is applied to the interior or exterior face depending on the glazing configuration.
For high-level glazing, exterior application is often preferable: it avoids access issues from inside the volume (work platforms, protection of furniture and circulation routes) and allows installation during periods of reduced activity.
High-TSER solar control films (Total Solar Energy Rejected above 70%) are recommended for atriums with high solar exposure — particularly shallow-pitch glazed roofs or overhead skylights. These films reflect a significant proportion of incident radiation before it enters the space.
Retrofit Film vs Glazing Replacement
Replacing glazing with solar-control units (laminated tinted glass, low-emissivity coated glass) remains an option for new-build projects or full envelope refurbishments, but involves lead times of several months and significantly higher unit costs. For operational buildings, retrofit film is the standard solution, with installation completed within a few days at a substantially lower cost per square metre.
Logistical Constraints for High-Level Installation
Accessing high-level glazed surfaces requires advance technical planning. The main access methods are:
- Aerial work platforms or scissor lifts: for vertical or shallow-pitch glazed surfaces accessible from the floor or technical walkways.
- Rope access techniques (industrial abseiling): for glazed roofs inaccessible by platform, using abseil descent or permanent lifelines.
- Roof access: where technical roof access routes are available.
Securing the areas below (barriers, protection of public circulation routes) is mandatory when working above occupied spaces. Access costs must be factored in from the quoting stage, as they can represent a significant share of the total project cost for large-area atrium installations.
Selecting the Right Film for the Configuration
For atriums and glazed roofs, the key selection criteria for a solar control film are:
- High TSER (above 60–70%) for glazing receiving intense solar flux (horizontal or shallow-pitch roofs)
- Preserved VLT for atriums that must maintain adequate natural light levels for occupants
- Glazing compatibility: toughened, laminated, or heat-treated glazing may impose constraints on film choice to avoid thermal stress fractures
- Exterior or interior application: exterior films intercept radiation before it passes through the glass but are exposed to the elements and require weather-resistant grades
To identify the right products for each atrium configuration, Solar Screen provides technical support including a prior thermal stress analysis. Explore the full solar control film range for commercial buildings and their technical data.
For a deeper understanding of heat management mechanisms in commercial buildings, the Solar Screen article on solar film for heat management in commercial buildings provides a complementary reference framework.