Solar Solve delivered a bespoke solar shading solution for the air traffic control tower at London Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest aviation environments in the United Kingdom.
Working with CBRE, Solar Solve supplied and installed specialist SOLASAFE® solar control blinds designed to reduce glare, limit solar heat gain and improve working conditions for air traffic controllers. The installation provides a reliable system of sunscreens for ATC tower environments, supporting clear visibility and comfortable operational conditions within the tower.
The Challenge:
Air traffic control towers require exceptional visual clarity and reliable environmental control. Even minor glare or heat build-up can affect controller comfort and operational effectiveness.
In early 2024, CBRE contacted Solar Solve to assist with replacing ageing blind systems within the Gatwick Airport Air Traffic Control Tower. The existing installation suffered from inconsistent performance, visible light gaps and reliability concerns.
The tower operates continuously, meaning any installation work had to avoid disruption to daytime air traffic operations. Access logistics were also complex, requiring scaffolding to be erected and dismantled each night to allow safe access to the tower glazing.
In addition to resolving the existing issues, the client requested a new blind system that would improve tension, reliability and overall performance compared with conventional installations.
The Solution:
Solar Solve engineered a tailored shading solution using its SOLASAFE® solar control blind system, designed for demanding operational environments such as ship bridges, control rooms and aviation towers.
To meet the project’s requirements, Solar Solve sourced and implemented a custom tension box mounting system. This configuration provided improved blind tension, a cleaner installation appearance and enhanced operational reliability.
Prior to installation, the system was demonstrated to representatives from CBRE and NATS (National Air Traffic Services). The demonstration took place at Solar Solve’s parent company facility in Redhill, Surrey, conveniently located near NATS’ operations base.
Following the successful demonstration, the system was approved for installation and has since been introduced into Solar Solve’s wider product offering. The result is a highly effective shading system suitable for critical operational environments requiring reliable sunscreens for ATC tower facilities.
Installation:
Due to the sensitive nature of air traffic control operations, all installation work was scheduled during night shifts to ensure there was no disruption to daytime tower activity.
Each evening, scaffolding was erected to provide safe access to the tower glazing. The existing blinds were removed and the new SOLASAFE® systems installed.
At the end of each shift the scaffolding was dismantled so that the tower could return to full operational readiness the following morning.
In total, 14 solar control blinds were installed across the tower environment. The project required close coordination between Solar Solve technicians, CBRE facility teams and airport operational staff to ensure installation was completed safely and efficiently.
The Result:
The completed installation delivered a high-performance solar control solution tailored specifically for the operational requirements of an air traffic control tower.
The new SOLASAFE® blinds provide improved glare reduction, smoother operation and enhanced controller comfort.
Key benefits include:
- Improved visibility through effective glare reduction
- Reduced solar heat gain within the tower
- Quiet and reliable blind operation
- Clean installation using the custom tension box mounting system
- Minimal disruption through carefully planned night time installation
These specialist sunscreens for ATC tower environments now provide reliable solar control for Gatwick Airport’s air traffic controllers, supporting comfortable and effective working conditions.
Client Feedback:
Oli Richardson, CBRE
“Thank you and the team for coming up with a great solution for the solar blinds. This system now installed is an all-round better idea. Finally, the team are happy in the Tower. I will take that as a win.”
This project demonstrates Solar Solve’s ability to deliver specialist shading solutions within operationally sensitive environments such as air traffic control towers, marine bridges and control rooms.
Through bespoke engineering, product innovation and carefully planned installation logistics, Solar Solve continues to support critical infrastructure operators with reliable solar control systems designed for demanding operational environments.
To learn more about Solar Solve’s full range of SOLASOLV® and ROLASOLV® solutions click here:
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