JN222 let the light in
Natural lighting can have an enormous effect on both the quality of a space and its environmental impact. Plus, our health is closely linked to our exposure to daylight. As a result, maximising the amount daylight in indoor spaces is a key priority for many projects, whether residential, commercial or industrial. However, there are many circumstances where traditional glazing isn’t a suitable option. Here Adrian Lukic, Divisional Sales & Commercial Director at Brett Martin, explores glazing alternatives and the importance of specifying solutions that increase exposure to daylight without
Although modern life may increasingly draw people indoors, the fundamental need for daylight remains strong. Exposure to natural light throughout the day supports our circadian rhythms, aiding sleep and contributing to wellbeing. What’s more, exposure to natural light in offices and schools has been shown to improve both productivity and performance. Similarly, exposure to natural light in hospitals has been linked to faster patient recovery. Implementing design strategies that
attempt to maximise natural light should therefore be a priority for all designers. The most obvious way of achieving this is simply to increase the amount of glazing; however, for many applications this isn’t suitable and may result in uncomfortable levels of glare, privacy issues, solar gain and even security concerns. The RIBA’s Sustainable Outcomes Guide (2019) specifically highlights that spaces should be designed with ‘good indoor daylighting, lighting and glare control’ highlighting the importance of striking a balance between maximising daylight and ensuring spaces are comfortable for occupants. BREEAM UK’s New Construction V6.1 Technical Manual lays out a similar premise, stating the importance of ‘designing out the potential for glare, achieving good practice daylight factors and having an adequate view out’. With this in mind, it is key for architects to explore all possible options for increasing daylight in their designs, without comprising the quality or efficiency of the space. Alternative solutions Architectural polycarbonate systems provide an excellent, lightweight alternative to traditional glazing when used as a facade material. As a result of its
excellent strength to weight ratio and its ability to be manufactured in large pieces, a polycarbonate facade can provide a sleek, modern aesthetic from the outside and a light filled interior, without the need for a heavy supporting structure. Hawkins Brown demonstrated this with its design for the Harwell Gym at one of the UK’s leading science parks, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. The polycarbonate creates a striking lightbox effect at night and floods the interior with light during the day. Polycarbonate can also be used in
conjunction with traditional glazing to bring extra light into spaces. Herzog & de Meuron demonstrated this with its design for the Royal College of Art in London. This project utilised glazing at floor level, providing students with views out over the city, and polycarbonate above. Combined, the two solutions allow a diffused light into the studios, avoiding glare and creating great conditions for working, while satisfying the relevant design guidelines. In addition to facilitating up to 74%
light transmission, polycarbonate also provides great thermal performance. Good quality multiwall products deliver low levels of thermal conductivity, with U-values that can be as low as triple- glazed units, at a fraction of the weight of an equivalent sized piece of glazing. This excellent thermal performance, coupled with sustainable options that use mass balanced plastic, help to make polycarbonate a sustainable and efficient alternative to glass. Some polycarbonate can also filter out harmful UV, keeping building occupants protected, even in direct light. These qualities help to ensure that extra light can be brought into spaces, without comprising building performance or occupant comfort, as can be the case with some poorly designed glazed spaces. In summary, when looking to increase
access to daylight in future designs, architects should consider all possible daylighting options – not only traditional glazing – to provide a striking design, but also to boost the wellbeing and productivity of occupants.
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