EXTERNAL ENVELOPE 43 Illuminate sustainability
Natalie Goodridge of LAMILUX UK explains why incorporating daylight into architectural designs has become a central focus in sustainable designs.
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ntegrating roofl ights or roof glazing into a building design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also supports designers with a commitment to sustainability by reducing energy consumption and creating healthier, more comfortable spaces. Cutting out roofl ights in favour of cost-saving measures could undermine a project’s sustainability goals and furthermore could lead to long-term negative effects on the building’s user satisfaction, and overall quality. Thermal insulation in roofl ights is crucial for enhancing a building’s energy effi ciency and reducing heat loss or gain. Glazing, frame material, seals and positioning of roofl ights are all factors that should all be carefully considered when specifying roofl ights in order to achieve optimal sustainability outcomes. In terms of well-being, creating well- lit spaces with natural light has proven benefi ts for the physical and mental well- being of building occupants. Natural light can improve mood, boost productivity in learning and working spaces, and even regulate circadian rhythms which helps to synchronise the body’s internal clock with the wider environment.
The connection from the inside of a building to the outside world is something artifi cial lighting and conventional windows just can’t replicate, especially in spaces without exterior walls that can accommodate traditional windows. Natural ventilation can also be incorporated within roofl ights, promoting a healthy indoor environment. This is particularly benefi cial in spaces like offi ces, schools, and residential buildings, where air quality and comfort are essential. Part F of the Building Regulations provides guidelines for ventilation in residential buildings and the positioning and type of roofl ight used to maximise airfl ow should also be considered here.
By incorporating natural daylight into a building, this reduces the need for artifi cial lighting which contributes to lowering a
ADF MARCH 2025
building’s overall energy consumption. Less dependence on artifi cial lighting leads to a decrease in electricity demand, helping to lower overall energy usage and thus supporting the building’s energy effi ciency goals by lowering a building’s environmental impact. Roofl ights can provide passive solar heating during the winter months by allowing sunlight to enter and warm the interior. This can reduce the need for additional heating, particularly in cold climates. On the fl ip side, roofl ights can be designed with shading devices or coated with low-emissivity glazing to reduce unwanted solar heat gain in summer, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without the additional need for air conditioning. This contributes to energy
Roofl ights offer the perfect fusion of aesthetics and performance, and can play a crucial role in sustainable design
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