BUILDING ENVELOPE


• Solar control: Opt for glazing treatments, such as solar controlled glass, that control the amount of sunlight entering the room. This way, you can avoid glare on screens while still enoying the benefi ts of natural light.


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Refl ective surfaces: ncorporate refl ective surfaces, such as light coloured walls and furniture, to help distribute and amplify natural light within the workspace.


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iophilic elements: n addition to natural light, consider adding other biophilic elements to your home offi ce, such as indoor plants and natural materials. These elements further enhance the connection to nature and promote a calming and inspiring atmosphere.


THE ROLE OF THE ROOFLIGHT Roofl ights can help to provide natural light with qualities appropriate to the use of the building. Roofl ights let in light from the brightest part of the sky and are not generally affected by external obstructions, such as trees or other buildings. They also provide a more even pattern of light than vertical windows. Roofl ights can form part of an effective technical lighting scheme, particularly in conunction with effi ciently controlled


artifi cial lighting, to produce specifi ed illumination levels for particular tasks. According to leading consultants, horiontal roofl ights provide three times more light than vertical windows (the equivalent of 10,000 candles on a sunny day), which is more than 200 times the light needed for most educational or work related tasks. n addition, roofl ights can also add to the more subjective qualities of spaces


as an integral part of the building’s architecture. They can provide views of the sky and promote a sense of wellbeing and connection with the outside without the distractions encountered with views through vertical glass windows. These facts are well understood by most people involved in building design. owever the huge potential of roofl ights to provide exactly the amount, type and distribution of natural light required to meet any given specifi cation is not always appreciated. As our lives become increasingly urbanised and technologydriven, biophilic design emerges as a powerful tool to reintegrate nature into our built environments. Natural daylight, a fundamental aspect of biophilic design, has a profound impact on wellbeing, health, and productivity. For those embracing the trend of home working, the incorporation of natural daylight into home design is an essential step towards creating a nurturing and productive workspace. By prioritising the inclusion of natural light via roofl ights, we can foster a more balanced and harmonious living environment that promotes our overall happiness and performance.


Paul Trace is director at Stella Roofl ight


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