Shed Some Light:
Efficient Curtainwall Techniques Heighten Creativity, Brighten Mood
Mark Mitchell,
Posted
09/01/2008
Growing interest
in green building has created a daylighting revival. Skylights and
curtainwalls are being utilized more as a cost-effective way to
light interior spaces during peak energy use hours with the added
benefit of transforming and enhancing interior spaces. Today's
daylighting systems also offer better thermal performance than ever
before, stabilizing HVAC loads and reducing costs even
further.
Whether you're designing a manufacturing facility or an office
complex, daylighting should play an important role in the
building's overall design and function-and also should be
cost-effective for the building owner. While there are numerous
ways to deliver sunlight to interior spaces, perhaps the easiest
and least expensive method is through light-transmitting
curtainwall systems.
See Clearly
The most common glazing used in curtainwall for daylighting
applications is glass. A large expanse of transparent glass can be
visually stunning and allows the building's surroundings to merge
seamlessly with the indoor space. Glass curtainwall also creates an
avenue by which natural light can penetrate a building's interior.
However, while the eye-catching nature of glass curtainwall has its
appeal, there are also a few drawbacks that need to be
considered.
Because traditional glass curtainwall has limited light-control
capability, the sun's rays can penetrate into interior spaces and
cause unwanted glare and hot spots. Entrances and common areas are
good applications for glass curtainwall as occupants use the spaces
for short periods of time, but uncontrolled natural light in work
rooms and office space can make for an uncomfortable working
environment. Large sections of transparent glass curtainwall also
can cause issues for HVAC systems, forcing them to overcompensate
for the solar heat gain caused by an influx of uncontrolled natural
light. More importantly, glass can be a costly choice, even more so
if external shading devices are required to eliminate sun-related
issues.
Strike a
Balance
As the industry tries to find a balance between green building and
occupant comfort, new glazing technology has made translucent
daylighting options increasingly advantageous in enhancing both
efficiency and visual appeal. By utilizing glazing materials like
translucent fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels and by combining
these materials with more traditional solutions such as glass,
architects and designers have virtually unrestricted design
flexibility while offering substantial benefits to building
occupants.
Translucent FRP panel daylighting systems have been available to
building professionals for more than 50 years, though recent
advances in resin technology have resulted in systems that are more
weatherproof and durable than ever. Translucent FRP panel systems
feature a sandwich panel construction-an aluminum grid core and FRP
face sheets-which allows for numerous insulation options and color
configurations. This translates into numerous creative options
during the design phase.
While no single glazing material is perfect for all situations,
translucent FRP is a good choice for libraries, classrooms,
computer rooms, work spaces and manufacturing facilities. By
effectively diffusing direct sunlight and dispersing it throughout
interior spaces, translucent systems create a more satisfying
environment during daylight hours.
Creativity, Visual
Appeal
Standard translucent FRP systems have proven to be a cost-effective
investment, but architects and designers can take advantage of
another option: the versatility of mixed-glazing configurations. To
accommodate these vast design possibilities, manufacturers have
made it easy to incorporate glass glazing with translucent FRP. The
result is a unique combination that is both eye-catching and
practical.
While mixed-glazing systems are available in a variety of custom
configurations, translucent FRP panels often are placed near the
top of the curtainwall system-with transparent glass below-to
control direct sunlight throughout the day and disperse glare-free
light throughout the space. The transparent glass at the bottom of
the system offers outdoor views and ventilation control while
limiting the negative effects of direct sunlight. In fact, another
benefit of the combination of translucent and transparent materials
is that it eliminates the need for exterior shading devices.
The unique nature of translucent FRP panels offers opportunities
for creative applications, especially during evening hours. These
include backlighting for company signage; colored lighting to
create an architectural focal point; or simply a column of
illuminated translucent FRP panels to call out a building's
entrance.
Though the advantages of daylighting to the building owner and the
environment are clear, natural light has been shown to provide a
variety of benefits to building occupants, including improved mood,
better concentration, increased output, increased retail sales and
improved student performance in classroom settings. Daylighting
also plays a significant role in obtaining LEED certification as it
offers a variety of credit opportunities in numerous categories,
from optimized energy performance to recycled content.
Endless
Opportunities
The next time your project calls for daylighting, consider the
possibilities available with translucent FRP panel systems and
mixed-glazing configurations. Their visual appeal, enhanced thermal
performance and light-controlling benefits make them a sensible and
cost-effective option to traditional glass curtainwall
systems.
Keep in mind that custom daylighting products are highly technical
and are engineered for your building's specific geographical
location and physical characteristics. If you run into questions or
concerns when attempting to choose a system, don't be afraid to
speak directly with daylighting manufacturers to discuss how their
products can benefit your unique space. They can suggest a solution
that will be an ideal match for both your requirements and
budget.
Mark Mitchell is the marketing manager at Major Industries Inc.,
Wausau, Wis. For more information, visit
www.majorskylights.com.
www.majorskylights.com