High-performance solar control for a sports centre overlooking the Mediterranean

The privileged location of the David Lloyd Gavà gym, just a few metres from the Mediterranean and featuring extensive glazed surfaces exposed to direct solar radiation, posed a significant challenge in terms of thermal and visual comfort. For much of the year, particularly during the summer months, the training areas experienced considerable temperature increases due to solar heat gain through the glazing. This directly affected both the user experience and the performance of the HVAC systems, which had to operate intensively to maintain suitable indoor conditions.

To optimise comfort without compromising natural daylight or altering the building’s aesthetics, Solarcheck developed a comprehensive solar protection project covering approximately 175 m² of glazed surface. The selected solution combined the high-performance Sentinel Plus Silver 20 and Sentinel Plus Silver 35 solar control window films, with each product applied according to the orientation and specific requirements of each façade in order to maximise energy efficiency.

These films stand out for their advanced technical performance. Sentinel Plus Silver 20, installed in the areas with the highest solar exposure, provides up to 86% total solar energy rejection (TSER), an 82% reduction in glare (GLR) and up to 90% infrared rejection, with a very low g-value of 0.14. Sentinel Plus Silver 35, applied in areas where a greater balance between solar control and natural daylight was required, provides up to 72% total solar energy rejection, reduces glare by 62% and rejects up to 78% of infrared radiation, while allowing higher levels of visible light transmission.

Both solutions block more than 99% of ultraviolet radiation, contributing not only to user comfort but also to protecting sports equipment, furniture and interior finishes against premature ageing caused by solar exposure. Their high spectral selectivity also helps optimise natural daylight while minimising solar heat gain, achieving an effective balance between energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Following the installation, the centre experienced a noticeable improvement in thermal comfort across training rooms, communal areas and relaxation spaces. The significant reduction in solar heat gain through the glazing helped reduce cooling demand, contributing to greater overall energy efficiency throughout the building. As a result, the project has created a more comfortable and sustainable indoor environment, aligned with the high standards of quality expected by users all year round.