Imagine walking into a room, soft natural light still pouring in, its reflections constantly changing, creating patterns of light and shadow; instantly lifts the mood and gives peace, does it not?
For centuries, skylights have been admired as architectural elements that perfectly blend the constructed surroundings with the natural environment. Although they rose to popularity for their aesthetics, skylights have functional purposes related to energy efficiency and ventilation too.
Some types of skylights you can use in your design are:
These types of skylights are stationary and non-operable structures, designed to admit abundant natural light. They are commonly used in areas where ventilation is not required, such as hallways, galleries, and atriums.
This museum features large fixed skylights, bathing its grand entrance lobby in an ethereal glow, emphasising the elegant design and creating a dramatic play of light and shadow.
Designed to provide both natural light and ventilation, ventilating skylights can be manually or electronically operated, allowing for controlled airflow and regulating temperature and humidity in interior spaces. These skylights are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
This building integrates operable skylights in its rooftop observatory, allowing fresh air and sunlight to permeate the space, seamlessly blending the man-made surroundings with the beauty of the natural world.
Also Known as sun tunnels, these skylights are compact and versatile structures that capture daylight and transfer it into interior spaces. Tubular skylights consist of a small dome on the roof, a reflective tube, and a diffuser that disperses light evenly. They are commonly used in areas with limited roof space or where larger skylights are impractical.
This library incorporates tubular skylights in its interior spaces, channeling natural light through the reflective tubes and illuminating various functional areas and consequently,reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.
Pyramid skylights feature a pyramidal shape and are often used in larger structures or public buildings. They offer a visually striking design element while providing ample natural light to the interior spaces below.
This iconic structure showcases pyramid skylights that create an iconic aesthetic, serving as focal points throughout the museum and drawing attention to the carefully curated artworks while infusing the galleries with an abundance of natural light.
Ridge skylights are characterized by their long, narrow design and are typically installed along the ridge line of a building's roof. They allow daylight to filter in from above, enhancing the aesthetics of the space while providing even illumination.
This building incorporates ridge skylights along the central nave, casting a warm, celestial glow on the intricate architectural details, and transforming the interior into a breathtaking space where light becomes an integral part of the spiritual experience.
Barrel vault skylights consist of a series of curved glass panels, creating a continuous, arched structure. They are often used in spaces that require large spans of natural light.
The building features a magnificent barrel vault skylight, spanning the entire space and flooding the central courtyard with an abundance of natural light. The skylight not only serves as a source of illumination but also creates a sense of openness and grandeur, enhancing the visitors' experience.
Each skylight type brings its own distinct advantages, offering unique benefits and aesthetic appeal. By carefully considering design intent, functional requirements, and environmental factors, the appropriate skylight type can be selected to enhance specific spaces.
