a guide to daylight design within commercial buildings

A GUIDE TO DAYLIGHT DESIGN WITHIN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS USING BESPOKE STRUCTURAL GLAZING SOLUTIONS

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2 VELUX Commercial

CONTENTS

01 Introduction 03

02 The role of light in architecture 04

03 The importance of daylight design within the commercial sector 05

04 Maximisingenergyefficiencies 07

05 Rooflights,skylightsandfaçadeglazing 08

06 Structuralglazing–whatisit? 09

07 Structuralglazing–morethanenhancinglighting 10

08 Bespokestructuralglazing–theimaginationknowsnobounds 11

09 Workingalongsideexperience 12

10 Conclusion 13

11 Projectsusingbespokestructuralglazing 14

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3 VELUX Commercial

The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.

-LeCorbusier

INTRODUCTION

01Commercialandindustrialbuildingsutiliseddaylightasa

freelightsourceforcenturies,however,overtimetheways

tobringlightintospacechangedwithadvancesinmaterials,

technologiesandconstruction.Asindustriesrapidlygrew,

therequirementsforbuildingenvelopeschangedandthe

use of daylight for illumination was pushed aside with the

emergenceofelectricallypoweredartificiallighting.

A commercially viable lightbulb patentedbyEdison in

1880andtheprogressinenergyproductionmadeelectric

lightingubiquitouslyavailablebythestartofthe20th

centuryandfrom1920turningonalightswitchallowed

ustogaincontroloverlight.Thesubsequentageofcheap

energy,demandforbuildingsandthecommercialpressures

of rising costs of land influenced thedesignof factories

and public spaces. Artificial light became the prevalent

lightsourceforthenew,indoorgeneration.

Theenergycrisesunravellinginthe1980sforcedareview

ofenergysourcesthatwasreflectedinincreasesinenergy

costs. Commercial property owners started to concentrate

more on improving the energy efficiency of buildings

anddaylightingcamebackintofocusasasourceof‘free

energy’.Almostcoincidentallyvariousstudies in the90s

observed that daylight was crucial for the wellbeing

ofworking people (Cakir AE, 1990) and quantified the

negative impact lackofdaylightandresultingcircadian

cyclesmisalignmentshadonhumanperformance(French

etal,1990).

Ternoy (1990) effectively proposed that the effect that

lackofdaylighthasonthehealthandperformanceofthe

workforceintermsofcostcanequalthecostofbusiness’

energy bills. As technology and design progressed,

architects started utilising curtain glazing systems to

createstrikingdesignsusinglargeglazedareasonroofs

andfacades.Asaresult,theimportanceofdaylight

within commercial architecture had once again gained

importance.

Wefindourselvesincreasinglydisconnectingfromnature

and gravitating toward the indoor lifestyle. The health

implicationsofthelackofdaylightandaccesstooutdoors

discussedinthe90sareexacerbatedbyourexposureto

technology and 24-hour lifestyles. It is evident that more

stringent intervention is needed to protect our environment

and our natural resources.

Although we may never manage to eradicate the need for

energy to illuminate andheat or cool our indoor spaces,

designingdaylightintothefabricofourbuildingsprovides

answers to many of the issues raised. Daylight design is

now considered a key component of good commercial

buildingdesign.

Structuralglazing representsaflexible solution that can

balanceanarchitect’sfreedomindesignwhilstsupporting

acommercialbuilding’senergyandlightingstrategy,as

well as its overall need for performance.



4 VELUX Commercial

To help quantify the difference between daylight and

artificial light illumination,direct sunlightdelivers

approximately 100,000 lux and daylight varies from

25,000luxonasunnydayto2,000luxonanovercast

day. Artificial light typically delivers in the range of

200-300lux,however,500-2000luxiseasilyachievable

with modern lighting. For context, areas such as hotel

lobbiesrequireaminimumof200lux,inoffices,thisrises

to500luxandspaceswheremanufacturingisundertaken,

or to improve visibility for health and safety, 500-2000

lux isrecommended. It isclear,nomatterhowadvanced

artificial lighting has become over time, it still cannot

competewiththeintensitythatdaylightcanoffer.

Daylightqualityisalsodifferentincomparisontoartificial

light sources. It is softer and more stable and provides

superior colour rendering. The quality and quantity of

lightaffectthewaywecarryouttasksandnavigateand

understandspaceandobjects.Daylight,whenmanaged

effectively,canintroducenatural,homogenouslightdeep

intothebuilding,whilstthefrequencyofdaylightallows

for a more truthful experience of shape and colour.

Visual qualities of daylight are utilised in architecture

for the aesthetic dimensions they add to the exterior of

thebuildingorthe internalspace.Natural lightcanbe

amplified to harmonise or contrast exterior and interior

spaces,tocreateshadows,manipulatethespace,highlight

or understate texture or colour. Designers use daylight to

expressemotion,exploreaestheticsandevokeamoodor

a sensual response.

Non-visual stimulation is an aspect of light that impacts

our physiological and psychological functions. Since

humanstookshelterindoors,ourpredecessorsinstinctively

preferred daylight over the artificial light of a fire, for

example. We seek daylight because our biological

responsesevolveduponchangesinlightqualitycausedby

weather or the changes of the seasons. Most importantly

they depend on the diurnal rhythm of day and night. Light

is thezeitgeber foroneof themostprominentcircadian

cycles controlling our sleep-wake cycle (CBlume, 2019).

Our bodies respond to the blue lightwe are exposed to

duringthedaybyloweringtheproductionofthehormone

melatoninandincreasingproductionofserotonin,cortisol

anddopaminetokeepusalertandfocused.Intheevening,

thechangetowarmerlightsignalstothebodytoswitch

the hormone production encouraging us to relax and

fall asleep.

Peoplenowspendmorethan90%oftheir time indoors.

Foradults,muchoftheirwakinglifeisspentatwork.The

averageworkernowworks36.6hperweek(OECD,2018).

The lackofdaylight ismagnifiedbyourexposure to the

bluelightemittedbytheartificiallightingandcomputers

that surround us round the clock, causing disruptions to

ourfinelytunedcircadianrhythm.Ashort-termdisruption

can cause simple symptoms like tiredness and lack of

motivation,whichcanbereversed.

A recurrent or permanently out-of-phase circadian cycle

can pose serious consequences for our health and well-

being. Ourmarked departure from exclusively outdoor

speciesrequiresustodesignhealthybuildingsthatgiveus

accesstodaylightandsunlightandtheabilitytoreconnect

with nature.

Although some of the characteristics of daylight can be

mimicked by artificial light, the visual and non-visual

benefits of daylight cannot be reproduced artificially.

Applyingdaylightfocusedthinkingiskeytoachievingtruly

human-centricbuildingdesign.

THE ROLE OF LIGHT IN ARCHITECTURE

02

Light in simple terms gives us the ability to see. It stimulates our visual system to process and interpret images. Illumination in this context is a sufficient supply of light to allow us to experience space, objects, textures and colours.



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Designing for daylight provision in commercial spaces is

thebestpracticemostarchitectsanddesignersarefamiliar

with.Improvingilluminationlevels,however,isonlyapart

of the daylight design concept and the new European

StandardEN17037 extended the scope to target multiple

aims in respect of daylighting and occupant comfort.

EN 17037 addresses four key areas: daylight provision,

assessmentoftheviewfromwindows,accesstosunlight

and prevention of glare. The minimum performance level

is setout,butamediumandhigh levelcanbetargeted,

depending on specific requirements of the project. This

flexibilityisparticularlyusefulincommercialdesign.Many

daylighting strategies and aims will be identical across

industries,butthereareareasthathaveaspecificimpact

oncertainbuildingtypes.

Approximately40%oftheUKworkforceworkinanoffice

and spend roughlya thirdof their dayatwork.A study

byRommandBrowning(1998)reportedthatcompanies

inbuildingswheredaylightwasprioritisedreportedlower

absenteeism, increased productivity and fewermistakes.

Providingahealthyenvironmenthasapositiveeffecton

business growth. The initial investment into appropriate

glazingsolutionsthatofferimproveddaylighting,thermal

comfort, acoustic balancing, improvement in air quality

and views will see a return many times over the lifetime of

thebuilding.AccordingtoastudyconductedbyImperial

College inLondon(2017),addressingalltheareaswould

mean a productivity improvement of around 5-8% of

businessturnoverandinitialinvestmentintothedesignor

anupgradeofabuildinghasapaybackperiodofaslittle

as 2 years.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DAYLIGHT DESIGN WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR

03

The design of commercial spaces is often influenced by commercial pressures and efforts to fulfil the intended function of the building as efficiently as possible. Case studies show that improved daylight design can increase individual productivity by as much as 23%, reduces Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms and absenteeism and reduces annual energy loads by 27-88%. (Herschong et al, 2002).


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Natural light is a commodity that is highly valued across

allcommercialapplications.Roofglazingcanprovidetwice

asmuch daylight as vertical glazing and is frequently

specifiedforwarehouses,airportsandinbuildingswhere

optimalvisibilityinanon-homogenouslandscapeisessential

forworkplacesafetyandworkforceefficiency.Combining

roofglazingwithfaçadeglazingcanhelptoreduceglare

andprovidehigh illumination levels,oftenused in sports

venues and leisure facilities where excellent visibility

and connection with nature are important for customer

experience and retention.

Schools,nurseriesandeducationfacilitiesareincreasingly

usingthecombinationofroofglazingandfaçadeglazingto

introduce more daylight and sunlight into classrooms and

learningspaces,whilstofferingagreaterconnectionto

nature. Inschools thathavebeendesignedto increase

naturallightintotheclassrooms,studentshaveshownto

havehigherstandardtestscores,noticeablelessabsenteeism

(Hathaway et al, 1992) and interestingly pupils grewon

average 2cm taller than school children with poorer access

tonaturallight(Hathawayetal,1992).

Provision of adequate sunlight and daylight in the healthcare

sector is essential to improved recovery, as advocated

by FlorenceNightingale in her Notes onNursing (1874).

The Nightingale Ward model still used today is designed

toaffordeachpatientlargequantitiesofnaturallightand

access to views.

AccordingtoTernoy(1999),retailsalesincreasesof8-12%

were recorded in daylit areas, illustrating the impact

ambiencecanhaveonconsumerhabits.Theinfluencedaylight

usecanhaveoncreatingaspecificenvironment isoften

usedtofortifybrandimageandenhanceuserexperience

in restaurants and hotels.

Whentryingtofulfilallfunctionalcriteriaofabuilding,

incorporating daylight design and recommendations of

thenewstandardcanseemacomplextask.Considering

daylight design at the concept stagemakes it easier to

designglazedopeningsintothefabricofthebuildingand

specifytherighttype,sizeandpositionofglazingsystems

forthebuildingpurposesodesignobjectivescanbemetto

a minimum requirement.

Aspecial note regardingCOVID-19:Althoughwedonot

yetknowhowtherecentCovid-19crisiswillinfluenceour

working culture in the long-term, its effects are unlikely

tohaveanimpactonbuildingdesignandconstruction.

Acommercialbuilding’s lightingneedswillstill require

careful consideration dependent upon the use of the space.

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The lowering of carbon emissions is pivotal to the

protectionofourplanet.Witharound45%ofgreenhouse

gasemissionsgeneratedfrombuildings,theconstruction

industry is in the spotlight to focus its efforts to create

strategiestoimprovebuildingenergyefficiency.PartLof

the Building Regulations addresses Government efforts

to the delivery of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB)

acrosstheUKandaimsforfuelandpowerconservationby

settingoutallowableparametersforenergyperformance.

Whole-building assessment methods like the Simplified

BuildingEnergyModel(SBEM)andStandardAssessment

Procedure (SAP)canbeusedtoapproximatetheenergy

performanceofabuilding.

Large glass structures have often been criticised as

leading to excessive energy use compared to more

traditionalsmallerglazedopenings.Withtheadvancesin

designandtechnology,thisisnolongerthecase.Balancing

the airtight and thermally efficient building envelop

with the right area of glazed openings of the correct

specification and design can lower electrical use and

improvethermalefficiency.Aholisticapproachtodesign

where the strategy is a dynamic symbiosis among all

parts and with the surrounding environment is supported

by whole-building assessment methods that can aid in

predictingtheenergyefficiencyandrunningcostofthebuilding.

Modelling proved the use of daylight and modern electrical

installations,providedwithsystemsforbuildingautomation

(BMS)canleadtoareductionofelectricityconsumption

for lightingpurposesbyupto80%,and in termsof the

total consumption of electricity and heat, can bring

savingsof30%andmore.

[Guidelines for more realistic daylight exterior conditions

in energy-conscious designs Athens (2000)].Where

building automation is not available, the figures are

expectedtobe loweredbyapproximately10%ineach

example,however,stillposingasignificantimprovement.

Research by De Montford University has shown a

correlation between electricity use, thermal efficiency,

CO2 emissions and running costs. Buildings that are

mainlyoccupiedduringtheday,suchasofficesandschools,

withlightingrequirementsofapproximately300lux,were

showntobenefitfroman85%CO2reductionbyintroducing

rooflightsto20%oftheroofarea. Incommercialspaces

occupied24hours,suchashotelsandwarehouses,withno

night-timebenefittheoverallsavingwillbelowerbutwill

stillbeapositivevalueinthemajorityofcases.

The advances in glazingmaterials offer valuable options

whenconsideringthethermalefficiencyofabuilding.As

with light,thegeographical location,buildingorientation

andtheopeningpositioncanbeusedtoimprovethermal

performance by controlling the amount of solar energy

enteringthebuilding(gValue).Insulatingqualitiesofthe

glazingareindicatedbytheirU-valueandcanbeattributed

to the entire glazing systems or to a single pane to

indicate the measure of thermal transmittance. Advanced

treatmentsavailableforglazingmaterialsaffordagreater

levelofsolarcontrol,forexamplebyspecifyingthelevelof

reflectivityanddiffusionorbyreducingemissivity(low-e)

that can influence the amount of solar heat entering or

leavingthebuilding.Modernglazingoffersmanyoptions

intermsofthermaltransmittanceandoffersavarietyof

options to control the impact of solar heat on cooling or

heatingtobestsuitthefunctionofthebuilding.

The commercial sector is showing more tangible moral,

social and environmental responsibility resulting in

voluntary building standards compliance that often

exceedsstatutoryrequirements.Standardscreatedby

BREEAMthatachieveahighlevelofthermalcomfortby

controllingsolargainrequiringminimaladditionalenergy,

havealreadybeensuccessfullyimplementedandexceeded

in schools, leisure facilities and hospitals. The under-

construction310NSangamoninChicago,with268,000

squarefeetofofficeand7,800squarefeetofretailspace,

is the largest building implementing daylighting and

solar energy control to target reduced reduction in heating

energyandcoolingenergyof86%and46%respectively.

Designing for commercialbuildings tomake themostof

natural light through façade, roof and structural glazing

willnodoubtplayabigroleindeliveringenergy-efficient

commercialbuildings.

MAXIMISING ENERGY EFFICIENCIES

04

Buildings that are mainly occupied

duringtheday,suchasofficesand

schools,withlightingrequirements

ofapproximately300lux,were

showntobenefitfroman85%CO2

reductionbyintroducingrooflights

to20%oftheroofarea.



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The size of modern commercial structures and requirements for multi-use commercial buildings, require a glazing area proportionate to the floor area of the building to achieve the various daylight design objectives outlined in previous sections.

FAÇADE GLAZING IN DAYLIGHT DESIGN

Often shopfronts and curtain walls are specified tobringabetterlevelofnaturallightintoabuildingthanastandardwindowandaffordgreaterdesignflexibility. They are also ideal for improving daylight illumination andcreateafeelingoflightandspacebyblurringthedividebetweenindoorsandoutdoors.Thesequalitiesare often employed in retail spaces to create an open andwelcomingatmosphereorachieveaspecificlook.

Most standard curtain walls are created by using asequence of frames with interlocking mullions andtransomsthatarefixedtotheexistingstructureoranintermediatesupportingstructurebygasketsorotherfixingmethods.Thisgivesthedesignerthefreedomtocreatealargeglazedareaandintroducedaylightintodifficultindoorspacesthattraditionalglazingsolutions couldnotachieve.Façadeglazingoffersoccupantsa

wall-to-wallviewoftheoutsidespace,limitedbythesightlinesand/orfixings.

Shopfronts and curtainwalls are often specified fortheiraestheticappeal.Bothglazingsolutionscanhavea striking impact on the external appearance of thebuilding.

ROOFLIGHTS AND SKYLIGHTS FOR DAYLIGHT DESIGN

Roofglazing, suchas rooflightsandskylights,areanexceptionallyeffectivetoolfordaylightdesign,capable of delivering a large amount of natural light deep into spacebelow.Althoughtheviewroofglazingsystemsofferisnotvasvaried,theconnectionwithnaturecanbemaintainedthroughaviewoftheskies.

Roof glazing systems are predominantly modular in design.Singleunitsinterlocktocreateaholisticroofing system with ventilation and shading already manufactured into the units. The width of each unit in the run can varytogivegreaterflexibility intermsofashapeofthe building and the height of the run can also varyto fit in with sloped roofing designs. The almost unrestrictedlengthandshapeoftherunsmakethe systemsuitedtoavarietyofcommercialbuildings

whereroofspaceisatapremiumandpyramidal-,ridgeor dome-shaped glazing can be applied tomaximisetheamountofnaturallightfilteringthrough.Rooflights with specific fragility ratings can be specified for commercial spaces where daylight is required and where roof access is necessary for maintenance or lightfoottraffic.

Along with daylight design recommendations, thefunctionofthebuilding,theageofthestructureandbudgetare just someof the considerations for thespecification of the most adequate fitting glazing solutionforthepurposeofthedesign.Boththefaçadeandroofglazingsolutionssharecertaincharacteristics. Neither is a structural system, which presents limitations in termsof sizeof eachglazingpane.

As the systems transfer dead and live loadsback tothesupportingstructure,thestructureofthebuildingwill be a constraint on theoverall size of theglazedareaandon theuse incertainapplications, suchas refurbishments.

Great thermal efficiencycanbeachievedandbothrooflightsandskylightsare ideal forapplication innewbuildings,where thedesigners can factor inthe shapeand size of theopeningat the conceptionstage. The levels of prefabrication or even complete prefabricationofglazingandglazingsystemsareidealfor construction convenience and speed and carry a relatively low cost.

ROOFLIGHTS, SKYLIGHTS AND FAÇADE GLAZING

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Structural glazing systems are streamlined systems that

arefixed and installed using variousmethods giving the

appearanceofbeingpartof the fabricof thebuilding.

Thesystemsallowcommercialbuildingstohavewindows

aswallsandroofs,andwallsandroofsaswindowsyet

hold structural elements together to create a strong and

securebuildingenvelope.Thelevelofdesigncustomisation

can provide the exterior of the building with a more

homogenous finish that minimises visual interruption to

thefaçadeortheroof.Theflexibilityofstructuralglazing

isprincipaltoachievingthestrikinglookoftensoughtto

stampabrandidentityontocommercialbuildings.

Conversely,structuralglazingcanbeusedtoconnectthe

buildingwiththesurroundingoutdoorsandreflectthe

location, cultural setting or convey a message. This

maximises the impact of the surrounding setting on the

occupantandiseffectiveatairportsandrailterminalsand

hotel complexes.

The interiorcanbeequallystructuredtominimisevisual

obstructions.Thiscanbehelpfultocreateafeelingof

opennessandspace in thebuildingandshapea feeling

ofa community to improve social interaction, encourage

dialogueandcatalyseideasexchangedinofficesorinschools.

Theclearviewoflandscapesorskiesinvitestheoutdoors

into commercial buildings and reinforces the connection

of occupants with nature and supports their circadian

rhythmstohelpthemworkorrelaxorsleepattheright

time. Much improved transparency means that structural

glazing systems support greater light transmittance and

provide bright and attractivework or learning spaces,

aidingefficiencyandstimulatingthecognitivefunctionof

buildingusers.

Theflexibilityofstructuralglazingoffersanever-expanding

array of opportunities for designers and architects and

innovative architectural design.Variousoptions available

providetheflexibilitytospecifyasystemthatfitsbest

with the desired design and performance.

STRUCTURAL GLAZING – WHAT IS IT?

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Theadvantagesof structural glazingdonot simply lie

inmaximising available daylight.Amajor contributing

factortotheincreasinguseofstructuralglazinginmodern

architecture is its loadbearingcapacity. It is important

in the conception stage to use a holistic approach and

consider structural glazing as part of the fabric of the

building.Withcarefuldesign,theloadbearingcapacityof

asystemcould,forinstance,beusedtominimisetheuse

of steel structures that would otherwise be required to

supportaglazingsolution.

Aswithstandardrooflights,skylightsandfaçadeglazing,

qualifying criteria must be taken into consideration,

althoughtheinstallationofstructuralglazingisnotas

predetermined by the opening available to the same

degree. The size or span of each glazing unit can be

significantlylarger,dependingontherafterdepthused

andfragilityratingrequiredforthedesign.Thisaffords

thedesignerabetterabilitytocreatelargerunsupported

shapeswithfewersightlinesandbetterlighttransmission.

Theuseacross commercial buildingsmeans thedaylight

qualityisfurtherimprovedforthebuildingusersandthere

are fewer obstructions to the view of the outside. This

makestheconnectionwithnaturemorerealistic.

The choice of glazingmaterial will be guided by the

functionalityofthebuildingandthedesignspecification.

Various materials have different fragility classifications.

Guidelines issued by NARM set out the fragility tests;

CWCT TN66/67 for glass and ACR [M] 001-2019 for

polycarbonateandwilldeterminethemaximumsizeofthe

glazingpane,whetherglassorpolycarbonate,tosupport

the intended roof function.

STRUCTURAL GLAZING – MORE THAN ENHANCING LIGHTING

07

THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF NON-FRAGILITY FOR ROOFS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

CLASS 0 ROOFLIGHTS areeffectivelywalk-onsolutions

CLASS 1 ROOFLIGHTS allowwalk-onformaintenance

purposesonlywithfullsafetykit

tobeworn

CLASS 2 ROOFLIGHTS arenotdesignedtobewalkedon,

however,theyareabletotakeimpact

in the event of maintenance personnel

fallinguponthem–inthiscasethe

outertoughenedpaneoftheglazed

unitmaybreakbuttheinnerlaminated

pane is designed to prevent a fall for

30 minutes.

CLASS 3 ROOFLIGHTS areundernocircumstancestobe

walkedupon.Thesesolutionsshould

alsohaveabarrieraroundthemorbe

onanupstandsufficientlyhighenough

toensuretheycannotbewalkedor

fallen upon.

IN THE CASE OF POLYCARBONATE GLAZING:

TheClassBNon-Fragile toACR[M]001:2019Test for

Non-FragilityofLargeElementRoofingAssembliesshould

alsobeused.

Ifroofaccessisnotarequired,thenfragilityclassifications

will not be a factor limiting the choice of the glazing

materialorthepanesize.Ontheoppositeendofthescale,

if roof access for frequent foot traffic is integral to the

functionofthebuilding,fragilityandsafetyrequirements

mayshapethefinaldesign.Forexample,asthermoplastics

and thermosets do not achieve the desired fragility

rating,glasswillbespecified.Safetyshouldalwaysbeat

the forefrontofspecificationand isasmallprice topay

for the limitless design possibilities the various glazing

options can offer for the external visual appeal of the

commercial structure.

Vitally, various industries can have specific demands for

temperaturecontroland lighting levels.Theabilityto

specify various glazing options and finishes, or any

combination, means the best glazing system can be

designedtofitthecommercialfunctionandofferoptimum

performanceandlightingforthebuildingusers’needs.



11 VELUX Commercial

Bespoke structural glazing systems give architects the

abilitytochoosetheidealspan,sizeandtheshapeofthe

opening.Intermsofthebuildingenvelope,thelocationof

theopeningisflexible,andtheglazingcanbecustomised

to interface with the desired surface curvature or a roof

pitch.By eliminating the need to factor in theglazing

solutionattheconceptionstage,thedesignerispresented

with freedom to remain faithful to their original concept

and vision.

Abespokeapproachtostructuralfaçadeglazingchanges

thesheetofglazingthatenvelopsthebuildingtoopenup

exciting design possibilities. Curved or radiused external

glazingorevenmultiplecurvaturescanbedeployedand

non-rectangularshapesandmore‘irregular’shapescanbe

usedformultifacetedfaçades.Theattention-commanding

lookaddsdimensiontothebuildingandcanbecomplemented

usinglightandlightreflection.

Theappearancecandeterminetheidentitytothebuilding,

visually connect it to its function or plainly iconise it to

addcommercialvaluetotheestateandreinforceabrand

image.Thebuildingtypewillimpactthechoiceofglazing

material,forinstance,polycarbonateoffersmoreflexibility

intermsofshaping,butglasshasa longer lifespan.

Soundattenuation,fragilityrating,illuminationlevelsand

thermalefficiencyarejustsomeofthequalitiesthatwill

differ across the glazing materials. Appropriate glazing

material or combination of materials can be tailored to

fulfiltherequirementsfordesignfunctionandappearance.

Theabilitytousevariousshapesexpandsthewaydaylight

canbeusedinternallyforasymmetrical lightdistribution

that increases visual comfort. In roof applications,

asymmetrical light can help with the transition from light

to dark and softening of shadows and contributes to a

better experience at a large stadium or in theatres and

museums. The freedom to create non-standard shapes

ofunusual sizes results inglazed roofs shaped tofit the

messageof thedesign and function of thebuilding. The

far-reaching light used in atriums and central spaces or

walkways of commercial spaces can create a feeling of

synergyandconnectionbetweentheoccupantsandnature.

In refurbishmentprojects, thebuilding structure requirements

areoftentheoverridingfactorfortheselectionofglazing.

Where a rigid set of building parameters may limit the

glazing options, bespoke structural glazing grants more

design freedom and is often more economical than

installing standard glazing that may require additional

structural support.Museums,galleriesandpublic spaces

inbeautifulperiodbuildingsoftenrequireglazingupgrades

toprovideabetterthermalenvironmentandillumination

fortheoccupantsandstable,veryparticularclimatesfor

theircollections.Theflexibilityofstructuralglazingmeans

thattherightdesignandcorrectlyspecifiedglazingtype

can deliver the scope of the functionality whilst retaining

the desired period style criteria and complying with

conservation criteria.

BESPOKE STRUCTURAL GLAZING – THE IMAGINATION KNOWS NO BOUNDS

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12 VELUX Commercial

Thenear-unlimitedfreedombespokestructuralglazingcan

offergivesarchitectsandspecifiersthefreedomtodesign

glazingtofittheir imaginationsandbriefs inwaysother

solutions may limit. It may not be clear in the concept

stage, however, if thedesigner’s vision is achievableand

soconsultingaglazingspecialistatthisstageeliminates

the risk of the design not being possible, avoiding

potentially costly delays or as the worst-case a design

notbeingrealised.Atearlyconsultation,aspecialistcan

review the original concept and the criteria and help to

planindetailthemostefficientwaytodeliverthesolution.

Apartfromtargetingthevisualaspectofthedesign,the

typeandqualityof lightrequiredtosupportthebuilding

functionmustbeconsidered.Itisimportanttofactorinany

special requirements on illumination levels,UV radiation,

lightreflectionandcolourrendering,privacyandimportantly

thethermalcomfortofbuildingsusers.Therelationshipof

eachofthefactorsmustbetakenintoaccount.Forexample,

the relationship between light transmittance and

reflectivity;Ifprivacyisrequiredinagroundfloorofficeof

amulti-purposewarehouseandthehighlevelofreflectivity

ischosen,thiswillreducethelighttransmittanceandthe

amountofsolarradiationintothebuilding.

Aspecialistglazingconsultantwillbebestpositionedto

providecalculationsandcomputermodellingthatbalances

allelementstodeliverdesiredbuildingperformancelevel,

occupant comfort and ensure compliance with relevant

buildingregulationsandstandards,whilstremainingtrue

to the architect’s design.

Expertise and experience can prove pivotal to delivering

therightglazingprovision.WORKING ALONGSIDE EXPERIENCE

09



13 VELUX Commercial

Humansbybirtharenot indoorspecies.Wephysically

andpsychologicallyyearntobeconnectedtonature.This

distinctiveconnection isshown inthewayourbodyand

mind rely on the rhythms and changes in the outside world

affected by daylight. Disconnection from the outdoor

space, lackof freshairanddaylightdisruptsournatural

cycle of sleep and alertness. It is possible to ignore this

butnotwithoutconsequencestoourhealthandmental

wellbeing. From a commercial perspective to have a

workforcelackinginmotivation,strugglingwithproductivity

andfrequenthealth-relatedabsencesisaburdenbothto

financesandtothegrowthofthebusiness.

The increasedawarenessofhowfiniteournaturalfuel

resources are is a phenomenon that is driving the rise

in energy prices. Daylight is free energy. It makes

commercial sense to build spaces where the use of

daylight can improve energy usage. The investment in

energyefficiencyalsomakesacommercialbuildingmore

environmentally resilient and future proof.

The minimum standard for the energy efficiency and

daylightprovisionofcommercialbuildings isclearlyset

by UK Legislation and European Standards. Architects,

designersandthebusinesscommunityarecollaborating

across industries and striving to deliver genuinely

innovative commercial buildingdesigns that exceed the

minimum standards for compliance. There is an agreement

that we need to do the ethical thing; create vibrant

spacesforoccupanthealth,productivityandcomfortand

deliversustainabledesignforenvironmentprotection.The

economic impact of daylight design spans beyond a

singularcommercialbuildingandwillnodoubtbethekey

in the uncertain future.

The customisation levels provided by bespoke structural

glazing give the designer carte blanche to achieve their

visionnomatterhowunusualorcomplex itmaybe.The

flexibilitybespokestructuralglazingprovidesmeansthat

daylight design can be included in considerations before

the architectural concept is defined, giving complete

freedomtocreateandinnovate.Withtherightsupport,

therearenoboundariestoimagination.

Our Daylight by Design Consult Service helps to build

required glazing into the architectural proposition. By

getting involved at the earliest stage of the design and

consultingonallthevariables,thedesignerhastheright

support to bring their concept to life, nomatter how

complex,largeorintricateitmaybe.

Wedrawon80yearsof rooflightexperienceandthe

expertise of a dedicated team of daylight specialists. We

arepassionateaboutdaylightdesignandareveryhappy

to consult on designs from the initial stage to assist

designers and architects with their concept. We provide

expert knowledge and dedicated support to ensure all

bespokesegmentsareinstalledinharmonyandtoachieve

the function required and performance to comply with

buildingregulationsandstandards.Weneverlosesightof

the initial creative idea.

Our innovativeapproachtodesign, intensivetestingof

solutions and industry-leading manufacturing lead times

introduce certainty for specifying structural glazing. At

thedesignstage,atimelineformanufacture,assembly,

delivery and installation is supplied to facilitate meticulous

andreliableconstructionschedulingthatresultsinlowering

the cost of your project.

Our product portfolio ranges from prefabricated mod-

ular glazing solutions incorporating natural ventilation

and integrated blinds to large and complex bespoke

structural daylight designs. The VELUX Commercial range

givesarchitects,specifiersandcontractorsthefreedomto

design and specify appropriate solutions for that next new

build or refurbishment project.Our combined experience

andbroad rangeofproductsmakeus theone-stop-shop

for your commercial daylight design solutions.

CONCLUSION

10

Should you wish to discuss your next project’s bespoke structural glazing requirements in greater detail, do not hesitate to contact VELUX Commercial’s team of technical experts or visit our structural glazing page for more information on how we can bring your designs to life.


https://commercial.velux.co.uk/support/contact-us/technical-support?utm_source=whitepaper&utm_medium=pdf&utm_campaign=general



14 VELUX Commercial

EASTGATE ORIENTAL CENTRE, BRISTOL

ThestrikingellipticaloculusrooflightoftheEastgateOriental

Centre is a central focusof thebuilding.Bespoke structural

glazing,setinashallowmono-pitchroofprovidesdramaticlight

forthestaircasebelow,allhousedinacopperdrum.Thesolution

hadtofitthevariousdesignconceptsrequiredwhilstovercoming

technicalchallengesandVELUXCommercialworkedveryclosely

withthearchitectstofulfiltheirvision.Theconstructionandthe

drainageroutewereconcealedbytheperimeterflashingsandthe

rafter sizeswereminimised toachieveaclean look tooffer the

correct lighting for the structure.

PROJECTS USING BESPOKE STRUCTURAL GLAZING

11



15 VELUX Commercial

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, LONDON

TheLondonlandmarkunderwentarestorationwithabudgetof

£23.5millioncompletelytransformingthespace.Thebriefforthis

projectwasveryspecificandguidedbyplanningandconservation

restraints as well as limitations of existing structures. Consultations

witharchitects,conservationregardingthedesignsandproducts

wereongoingandrequiredagreatdegreeofflexibility.

Several bespoke rooflights needed to be replacedwith the aim

to improve the thermal values to comply with Part L of Building

Regulations. A feature rooflight 11x5.86m in size was

installed in theatrium tobring indaylight anda louvre system

controlledbyafiremanswitchwasinstalledtofacilitatecoldsmoke

ventilation.Thefunctionofthebuildingrequiredadvancedthermal

control and protection from UV radiation whilst retaining high light

transmittanceandevenlightilluminationwithOkaluxGlassfitting

the functional spec perfectly. Two mono pitch rooflights were

added to the Templar Study Centre.

NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE, ISLE OF MAN

The popular centre underwent a renovation, part ofwhichwas

the replacement of thedeteriorated rooflight above the50m

competition swimming pool. The beautiful sloping roof with

a curve in two directions in the shape of a wave presented a

designchallenge.Avarietyofpracticalissueshadtobeconsidered;

theacousticsinthelargeopenspace,lightdiffusiontoensurethe

reflection of the water surface doesn’t impede visibility in the

pool, lightreflectionandthermalcapabilitiesoftheroofglazing

forenergyefficiencyandofcoursecondensationriskposedbythe

functionofthebuilding.

The delivered solution fulfilled the brief from a practical and

aesthetic perspective and the advanced glazing products used

introduced higher levels of daylight, to promotewell-being and

performance.



16 VELUX Commercial

BA SIMULATOR

ThegradeIIlistedbuildingishometotrainingfacilitatesand16

stateoftheartflightsimulators.Theroofwasnotoriginallypart

of the refurbishment, but theoriginalGeorgianwiredandglass

rooflightswereleakinganduponcalculationsitbecameapparent

they did not meet the thermal performance requirements.

VELUX Commercial was chosen to deliver and the intricate

detailsoftherefurbishmentwereplannedandexecutedwithin

theongoingrefurbishment.Itwasimportanttodeliverasolution

that fitted the conservation and planning details within the

weight limitationsof theexisting structure.Heatefficiencyand

thermalqualitieswerecrucial,thesimulatorsemithighlevelsof

heat yet require an environment that protects the equipment.

VELUXCommercialdesignedauniquealuminium-framedglazing

system, featuring the lightweightpolycarbonateLumira to fulfil

thedesignbriefandofferstheoptimalleveloflighttransmission

and diffusion to create a practical training environment. The

careful design of the structure allowed for relatively easy

installationaroundtheexistingrefurbishmentschedule.

WIXAMS RETIREMENT VILLAGE

The largepurpose-builtvillageprovides230apartmentsforthe

over55’sseekinganalternativelifestyle.Thevillageisbuiltaround

the idea of community and social engagement and focus on

daylightdesignwascentraltofulfillingthedesignobjective.The

largerooflightsinvariouspartsofthebuildinginvitedaylightin

and create a healthy and open space. VELUX Commercial was

contractedbyGallifordTry for their reliabilityand innovative

approach to daylight design.

Theatriumattheheartofthecentralvillagebuildingbenefited

fromalargeglazinginstallation(12x40m)connectinggym,spa,

bar and other communal facilities. TheWinter Garden located

in the residential partwas formedasa singleglazed rooflight

structurefloodingthefive-storybuildingwithlight.Smokevents

were fitted to the communal area to satisfy health and safety

requirements. Lastly, a self-supported canopywas appointed

over the entrance to provide a visual connection of all the

glazedareas.The solution, usingPolycarbonate,wasnotonly

aesthetically pleasing but helped elevate the health and

well-beingofWixamsRetirementVillageresidents.Xtralite,now

part of VELUXCommercialwas awarded the prestigious ‘Most

OutstandingBuildingSupplierintheUKin2019’award.



17 VELUXCommercial

CIVIL ENGINEERING FACULTY AT CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

Theworld-classdesignofthisbuildingemphasisessustainability

and futureproofing. Variety of innovative construction elements

and building technologies were used throughout. VELUX

Commercial was involved in the design and installation of a

bespoke walk-on rooflight. The structure, made of ten equal

bays,measures12x1.5mandweighs2800kg.Toensurehealth

and safety compliance whilst delivering appropriate daylight

provision a bespoke triple glazed rooflight was designed. The

solutions is 90.5mm thick and comprises of 39mm toughened,

laminatedand frittedglass, amid-leaf of6mmsolar controlled

toughened glass (Guardian Sunguard) and an inner leaf made

of 13.5mmthick acoustic, heat-strengthened laminate.A 16mm

argon-filledcavityfeaturesin-betweenleaves.

VELUX Commercial recommended application of a non-slip

coating, going beyond the building regulations requirements to

achieveasafe,practicalsolutionandpresentfurtherdesignoptions.

The unique glazing solution provides a striking architectural

feature to a venue designed to drive forward learning and innovation.

INTU METROCENTRE GATESHEAD

Firstopened in1996,thepopularshoppingcentre inGateshead

required a major upgrade in 2016. Part of the investment was

centred on maximising daylight to enhance the shopping and

dining experience. The challenge was to install a large amount

of replacement skylightswithoutdisruption to the tradeof the

shopping centre and fitting the rooflights without alterations

to the existing structural steel framework. VELUX Glazing

Panels were specified for the ease of installation that the

prefabricationof the systemaffords.Thefiveenormousglazing

areas were specifically designed to suit the mall design and

featureovalshapes,pitchvariations,pyramidsbutcruciallythe

solutions are self-supported.

Theslimandlowpaneljointsallowforaminimumvisualobstruction

andalongwith thewhitepowder-coatedfinishof the internal

frameworkfitwiththeexistingdesignandcreateanaturalfeelof

lightandspaceduringthedayandaddtothedramaticambience

in the evening. The successful installation and transformation

of the design warranted further installations which were

commissionedin2018toimproveretailpartsoftheMetrocentre

withanimpressive2-tierpyramidrooflightmeasuring20x6m.



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