Modern homes and commercial buildings often feature wide glass doors, large windows and open views. These spaces look impressive, but they can quickly suffer from glare and heat build-up. It can become uncomfortable to work or live in these conditions.
External shading provides a practical and elegant way to manage these issues, but the quality of design and installation is crucial. It’s important to choose an installer that is a member of the BBSA (British Blinds and Shutter Association), like Halo External Shading.
Specialist external shading from a trusted team
Halo External Shading focuses on external systems. Typical solutions include high quality awnings, external blinds and other advanced shading products designed for homes, self-build projects, commercial buildings and architect-led schemes.
We are an independent, family-run company based in Suffolk. For substantial or specialist projects we can work beyond the immediate area. Clients come to us for considered design, reliable products and careful installation – not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Our membership of the British Blinds and Shutter Association is a clear indicator that this work is carried out within recognised industry standards.
What BBSA membership means for your project
For architects, developers, contractors and informed homeowners, BBSA membership is a straightforward way to check that a shading partner is serious about quality.
Membership involves:
- Appropriate insurance and proper business practices
- A commitment to training and keeping up with changing regulations
- Access to technical guidance on internal and external products
- A clear process for support and mediation if any dispute occurs.
By choosing a BBSA member, you align your project with an installer that works within this recognised framework. This reduces risk and supports better long-term performance.
The European context: ES-SO and energy performance
External shading has a direct impact on energy use and comfort. It can significantly reduce solar gain before heat enters a building. This in turn lowers the need for mechanical cooling and helps maintain comfortable conditions near glazing.
The BBSA works alongside the European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO), which promotes the role of well-designed shading in energy efficiency and climate conscious building design.
Through this connection, we approach external shading with a clear understanding of:
- Orientation and how the sun interacts with the building
- Suitable system types for different situations, such as external blinds for large glass areas or awnings for terraces and bifolds
- The benefits of automation and sensors for responsive control.
Our goal is always to provide solutions that look great on the building and perform reliably over time.
How this benefits our different clients
Self-builders and homeowners
Many self-build or renovation projects include the addition of large glazed windows. They create beautiful, light-filled interiors but can introduce the problem of overheating. We help by:
- Reviewing the layout and orientation
- Recommending external shading that intercepts heat before it passes through the glass
- Providing neat, attractive systems that work with the existing architecture
- Offering control options that suit everyday living, from simple manual operation to app-based systems
The result is a home that feels comfortable through the seasons, not only on the day the final photos are taken.
Architects and designers
For design professionals, external shading interacts with visual design, daylighting, building services and compliance. Working with a BBSA member means:
- Advice from a team that understands technical requirements as well as aesthetics
- Support with suitable product choices, fixing details and integration with control systems
- Confidence that the installer follows industry guidance and can provide ongoing support
This collaboration helps deliver schemes that perform well in practice and are easier to explain to clients and stakeholders.
Commercial projects
Offices, hospitality venues, schools and healthcare buildings have clear needs around comfort, glare control and durability. Our approach includes:
- Systems chosen for frequent use and long service life
- Installations completed to a high standard, with health and safety clearly addressed
- Responsive aftercare to keep systems working as intended
These elements matter to facility managers and owners who want consistent performance without constant remedial work.
Check out our gallery of previous projects
The Halo External Shading Gallery highlights completed projects that show how thoughtful design and careful installation come together. Each project reflects our core principles: quality products, precise fitting and guidance informed by BBSA membership and wider industry knowledge.
We’re adding to this gallery all the time, so check back to see more of our projects.
A friendly expert partner with recognised backing
We keep communication clear and approachable. Technical points are explained in straightforward language, and every project has a dedicated point of contact.
Our BBSA membership adds structure behind that friendly approach. It confirms our commitment to good practice, reliable installation and fair treatment of every client.
If you’re planning a self build project with extensive glazing, a commercial development or an upgrade to an existing property, speak to us about the right solution. Working with a BBSA member helps ensure your investment in shading delivers comfort, performance and long-term value.
