Solar protection to enhance the experience of millions of passengers every year
Contemporary airport architecture increasingly relies on extensive glazed surfaces to create a sense of openness, maximise natural daylight and provide a more pleasant experience for travellers. However, this transparency also presents a significant challenge in terms of thermal control and indoor comfort, particularly in facilities located in areas with high levels of solar radiation, such as the Mediterranean coast.
At Alicante Airport, certain areas experienced overheating and glare caused by direct sunlight on glazed façades and building envelopes. The aim of the project was to improve environmental conditions within the terminals while maintaining maximum visibility and preserving the building’s aesthetics.
To meet these requirements, Solarcheck developed a combined technical solution based on the high-performance Sentinel Plus Silver 20 and Sentinel Plus DX 05 solar control window films, strategically selected according to the orientation and specific requirements of each area.
Sentinel Plus Silver 20, installed in areas with high solar exposure, stands out for its exceptional thermal rejection performance, rejecting up to 86% of total solar energy (TSER) and up to 90% of infrared radiation, with a very low g-value of up to 0.14. It also provides an 82% reduction in glare, significantly improving visual comfort in circulation and waiting areas.
Sentinel Plus DX 05, featuring Dual Reflective technology, played a key role in areas where maximum solar protection was required without compromising outward visibility. This film delivers outstanding performance, rejecting up to 91% of total solar energy (TSER), reducing glare by up to 95% and rejecting up to 93% of infrared radiation, while maintaining low interior reflectance (≈15%) to ensure excellent outward visibility for passengers and airport staff.
Both solutions block more than 99% of ultraviolet radiation, helping to protect furniture, signage and interior equipment against deterioration and fading. Their high spectral selectivity also helps optimise natural daylight while simultaneously reducing solar heat gain, a key consideration in large, high-occupancy spaces.
The intervention significantly reduced the thermal load in the most exposed areas, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures and reduce reliance on HVAC systems. As a result, the airport improved its energy efficiency, optimised operating costs and significantly enhanced comfort for both passengers and staff.
This project demonstrates how an advanced solar control solution, properly designed and tailored to the requirements of each space, can simultaneously improve energy performance, visual comfort and the user experience in demanding infrastructure environments such as airports.
