Overheating adaptation in temperate European dwellings: a systematic review of evidence on shading devices

• A review of the effectiveness of shading devices in temperate European dwellings. • Many studies lack detail on the examined devices which restricts comparability. • Existing literature relies on simulations, with limited experimental evidence. • Future research should include comprehensive real-world experiments. Summertime overheating in dwellings across temperate European regions has become increasingly prevalent due to climate change, raising growing concerns for occupant health and wellbeing. This has intensified the need for effective adaptation measures, among which shading devices are widely considered as a key strategy for limiting solar heat gains during summer. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature on shading devices applied to naturally ventilated dwellings in temperate European climates. The review categorises shading device types, examines the evaluation methodologies used, and synthesises the metrics employed to assess overheating adaptation performance. The reviewed evidence consistently indicates that external shading devices are more effective than internal shading in reducing overheating, while adjustable systems generally outperformed fixed devices, particularly when year-round performance is considered. However, the findings also show that shading devices alone are insufficient to fully eliminate overheating risks under future climate projections. Greater thermal resilience in a warming climate is achieved when shading is integrated with natural ventilation and other complementary adaptation measures. The literature, however, is dominated by simulation-based studies, with limited validation using monitored data and a notable lack of long-term experimental or field investigations. External shading devices are the primary focus of studies, with comparatively fewer addressing internal or combined systems. This review highlights the important role of shading devices for both present and future climate adaptation and identifies a clear need for further experimental research using commercially available shading devices to improve performance quantification and enhance the reliability of empirical and dynamic thermal models.