For operations where sunshine ranks among the toughest challenges, there are ways to battle it without entirely blocking its brighter aspects. Inside, a family of special films designed to shield heat and ultraviolet rays can be applied to window interiors. The films, applied to glass like invisible wallpaper, help even out imbalances between sunny and shady, hot and cool areas of a room. The new technology isn't inexpensive. But we expect it to pay for itself in lower energy costs in a year.
Dry climates have their own heat challenges.
The restaurant's 25 patio seats are filled nearly year-round. The evaporation causes the temperature to drop. Phosphate filters triple clean the water before it's sprayed. When the system is off, an automatic drain eliminates trapped water and prevents bacteria buildup.