Defined as the intentional and controlled introduction of natural light into a space, daylighting is a major component of sustainable buildings and is well known for enhancing occupant health and productivity.
However, not all daylighting systems are created equal. As such, poorly designed systems can create uncomfortable hot spots, uncontrolled solar heat gain and glare. Furthermore, potential electric lighting savings can easily be squandered by failing to convert daylighting into a controlled, diffuse and balanced source of lighting. Even more compelling is that fact that unsuccessful daylighting systems can significantly compromise a company’s bottom line.
Case in point, at the suburban Los Angeles mall Lakewood Center, direct sunlight through an aging transparent skylight was causing excessive heat gain, contrast, glare and hot spots, thereby creating discomfort for occupants and employees. Even worse, the sales kiosks-which deliver a much larger profit margin per square foot-were not being properly utilized and the mall’s HVAC consumption was at an all-time high.
By updating the transparent skylights with a well-engineered translucent system, the result was dramatic. Now, instead of uncontrolled daylight, a diffuse ambient light is evenly distributed throughout the space. Furthermore, all glare, heat gain and hot spot problems were fully eliminated and the mall has experienced a significant revitalization.
Single Panel versus Double Panel
Providing a bit of historical perspective, translucent panel technology has evolved from single panel to double-glazed systems over time for a number of reasons. With just one layer of protection, insulation levels were lower, solar heat gain was higher, and air and water infiltration was poor. As a result, any damage to the system compromised the integrity of the building envelope. In addition, the single panels had spanning limitations and usually required extensive and costly substructures.
On the contrary, quad-glazed, double-panel systems are much better equipped to meet the high performance standards of today’s building codes and green building certification programs.
Raising the bar for daylighting and skylights system technology, Lake Forest, Ill.-based CPI Daylighting’s UniQuad, for example, is a prefabricated, unitized, quad glazed system made up of two independent translucent insulated panels, which are joined together by a mechanically interlocking concealed structural connection, eliminating the need for vulnerable adhesives. Integrating Nano-cell technology, the result is a high-performance, durable daylighting system with even light distribution and a clean, seamless appearance.
In fact, UniQuad’s advanced engineering is capable of delivering the industry’s best light to insulation ratio in a translucent skylight system at 50 percent light transmission with a U-value of 0.22. Another industry first is the system’s ability to span up to 12 feet without compromising panel deflection-per the International Building Code-as compared to the translucent panel industry average of 4 to 5 feet.
The system can also be customized by integrating additional insulation, fire protection, sound reduction, dynamic shading, enhanced structural performance and military-forced entry resistance.
In terms of the building envelope, UniQuad offers a high level of air and water infiltration protection, effectively acting as a rainscreen with an air pressure management system keeping water at bay.
Removable Skin Technology
Another unique aspect of the UniQuad system is its removable skin technology (RST), which enables the exterior panel to be repaired or replaced without disrupting ongoing facility operations.
With non-removable systems, the entire two-pane assembly must be replaced, even if only the interior or exterior surface is damaged, thereby opening up the building envelope. Consequently, the building owner incurs significant tenting and weather protection expenses to protect the building’s exposed interior while repairs are being made.
On the contrary, UniQuad’s RST enables owners to update the daylighting system at a marginal cost, in addition to avoiding any lost revenue from shutting down the space.
With a variety of translucent skylight and daylighting systems on the market, it behooves architects to take a close look at what they’re specifying. As such, this important decision should take into account the quality of light transmission, balanced light distribution, insulation levels, air and moisture protection and installation and replacement costs.
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Moshe Konstantin is principal at CPI Daylighting, Lake Forest, Ill. For more information, visit www.cpidaylighting.com.