Although many manufacturers offer one-size-fits-all daylighting systems that they claim to be equally suitable for home and commercial applications. The requirements of the two are very different. When choosing a daylighting system for office or factory use, the design, operational and functional parameters are all very different and only a system designed for commercial applications can provide the performance and cost efficiency that users expect.
If you are contemplating installing a daylighting system in a commercial space, keep these factors in mind to ensure that what you install gives you the performance you expect.
Technology
The
light requirements for an office are different than those of a home. In
a commercial space the light levels must be predictable. This stable
light level is a key feature of commercial architectural design as
fluctuations in the amount of light could affect both workplace mood and
output. Also, ceilings in commercial spaces are much higher than in
homes and typically range from 8 to 20 feet. The system and the fittings
will need to provide light from these heights. A good commercial
daylighting system must be able to meet both these imperatives, which
will not be necessary for residential daylighting.
Architectural Integration
Commercial
daylighting poses a number of challenges not normally found in
residential projects. The distance from the rooftop, where the light is
connected to the interior space where it is needed, is often long. The
system must be optimally designed for minimum light loss and use
materials and technologies that maximize efficiencies. The system itself
should bend seamlessly into its environment – the building or spaces
where it is being used.
Optical Controllability
A
good commercial daylighting system must be able to delivers the visible
light spectrum to the interior spaces while filtering out infrared
wavelengths. This will reduce the amount of heat transferred indoors and
in turn bring down air conditioning costs. The system must also
restrict the entry of ultraviolet wavelengths which can cause damage to
interior finishes and make paints and fabrics fade. Additionally the
light output should be controllable so that lighting can match
operational and functional needs.
Maximum Light Transmission
The
need to deliver the maximum amount to light is a given, even if all of
it is not used. That is what dimmers and other controllers are for.
Light intensity is subject to season variations and a daylighting system
that is unable to produce enough light in winter is one that is unable
to do its job. A good commercial daylighting system should be able to
provide year round lighting. In addition, the color temperature must be
maintained so that the indoor colors appear natural and do not change hue if the light availability / strength is deliberately changed.
There are many other aspects to commercial daylight which will be covered in the next blog.
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