Sun Light Redirecting Devices

Similar geometric logic as shading devicesOriented to receive max illumination andredirect light to needed interior areaLimited effectiveness in overcast conditionHigh reflective/specular surfacesGlare in viewing angles can be a problem

Sun Light Redirecting Devices

Sun Light Redirecting Devices

light shelvesHorizontal shading and redirecting devicesImprove uniform light distribution

Reduce level of illumination by window andredirecting it into the interior2 apertures clerestory and lower viewing

Most effective to be located as low inspace as possible - but avoid glare- goodht. around 7 align with other headers

Sun Light Redirecting Deviceslight shelves cont

Min depth of light shelf is determined byshading requirements

Prevent glare- do not let direct light fromupper window to penetrate past edge oflight shelf

Uniformity of light distribution can beimproved by extending depth of shelf

Sun Light Redirecting Deviceslight shelves- cont

Basic Elements: Light shelf should be as fully illuminated

as possible when light is desired High sun angles - horizontal shelf

projects openings in faade-shadingopening below shelf

Sun Light Redirecting Devices

light shelves

Sloping downward-assists shadingDiminishes lightdistribution

Typical- levelKnow floating shelf concept

Inward sloping-

Pushes high anglesunlight deeply into space

Can have glare problem

Interior SurfacesSloping ceiling downward at window reduces contrastCan shape exterior surface to maximize illumination andreflectionLarge shelves and shelves w/o viewing windows canhave shadowed area beneath shelf creating undesiredcontrastAlleviated with a floating shelf

Light ShelvesInterior Surfaces- cont

Orientation

Light shelves most effective,in various climates, on Southside

Effective shading on E&Wsides consider augmentingwith vertical shading and oradditional horizontallouvers(operable)

OrientationSouth side light shelf all year protection

Suncatchers

Vertical redirecting devices on building faadeBest for capturing low sun angles

Can capture and direct light into North side of building

Can create glare- direct light toward walls, ceiling and oruse in conjunction with a light shelf

SuncatchersCont

Suncatchers- Clerestory applications

Can improve light through clerestory glazing (except south facingopenings)

On North they can be utilized to improve balance of light and increasethe quantity - especially useful in conjunction with South facingopenings

Suncatchers- Clerestory applications- cont

E&W openings even out quantity of light over the dayProvides balance of light over day if space is lit through E&W facades

Suncatchers- Clerestory applications- cont

Shutters, Blinds, ScreensUse of operable devices behind fixed screening elementsFor the most part- do not redirect light only diffuse or reject lightEntering light should receive maximum redistribution

Toplighting-Basics

Skylights and Clerestories

Differs form sidelightingNot typically for viewing - see interior lighted surfaces

Provides more light per unit of opening than sideltg

Largely Independent of building orientation

Provides deep penetration into Single story / top story

Be careful of glare, unwanted contrasts, heat loss andoverheating

Toplighting

Toplighting - ShapeSurface reflectances and shape of surfaces criticalBest used indirectly

Tilt- captures seasonal opportunitiesInterior /exterior shadingHorizontal Best for over cast conditionsVertical best for daylight-direct beam radiation

Bearing AnglesDiurnal opportunities

Response to Natural lightSee toplighting guidelines in Handout

Exterior control

Interior control

Direct Gain - Plus