Clearer Views, Smarter Design: The Next Generation of Unit Skylights

By Mike Snyder | November 3, 2025

For decades, the unit skylight industry has looked much the same — acrylic domes sitting on curbs, offering daylight but often distorting views, aging quickly, and eventually leaking. That era is ending. Crystal Structures and VTech have partnered to introduce a new standard in daylighting: the CMC Series Unit Skylight — a factory-sealed, glass-glazed, curb-mounted…

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Why Quality Matters: Choosing an Architectural-Grade Greenhouse Over a Budget Greenhouse Kit

By Mike Snyder | October 20, 2025

If you’re looking to build a greenhouse, especially for a school, university, or public space, you’ve probably come across a wide range of options. On one end, you’ll find affordable, thin-walled polycarbonate kits from overseas. On the other end, high-performance, architectural-grade greenhouses like the GrowTech series from Crystal Structures. At first glance, the price difference…

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Sunroom or Solarium? Helping Clients Use the Right Term Before Design Begins

By Mike Snyder | October 13, 2025

Hey architects — how often does a client come to you asking for a sunroom, when what they actually mean is a solarium or conservatory? It happens all the time. And while those terms get tossed around interchangeably in residential design, they carry very different meanings — especially in the commercial glazing world. Understanding the…

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Polycarbonate vs. Fiberglass: Why Architects Have Moved On

By Mike Snyder | October 6, 2025

Once upon a time, fiberglass panels were the standard for translucent walls and skylights. They were practical, inexpensive, and filled a need. But if we’re honest, they’ve aged about as well as shag carpet and wood paneling. Architects today are looking for materials that perform better, last longer, and look sharper — and that’s where…

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Crystal Structures Inc. enhances its workflow and customer experience through thespelas.com and monday.com

By Mike Snyder | September 29, 2025

Crystal Structures advances the company-wide upgrades to software systems to address its rapid growth and provide a state-of-the-art experience for customers Crystal Structures, a leading designer and manufacturer of glazed structures nationally, has announced the successful deployment of monday.com,  a global software company that transforms how businesses run, through thespelas.com, a monday.com certified partner.  The…

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Mirropane and the Science Behind It

By Mike Snyder | September 22, 2025

Imagine a glass that looks like a mirror on one side yet allows someone on the other side to see through unnoticed. That’s the concept behind Mirropane® glass, often called “one-way mirror glass.” It’s not magic, it’s physics, design coordination, and most importantly, lighting. How Mirropane Works Mirropane is made by coating one side of…

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Part 5: Metrics Matter – Daylighting Models Architects Can Trust

By Mike Snyder | September 15, 2025

Daylighting is no longer about instinct—it’s about proof.For architects and owners, questions come early and often: When a design moves forward, no one wants surprises. That’s why predictive modeling is transforming the way skylights and glazed roof systems are specified. The Metrics that Matter Today’s most widely used daylighting performance benchmarks include: These aren’t just…

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Daylighting & Design – Part 4: The Leak Fear Factor – How Better Specs & Flashing Stop the Blame Game

By Crystal Structures | September 1, 2025

The Fear Factor: Why Leaks Drive Liability In the world of sloped glazing, few issues stir more anxiety than water intrusion. Architects, contractors, and building owners alike know the stigma: leaks cause lawsuits. But here’s the reality—most water infiltration isn’t caused by the skylight itself. It’s the details around it, especially flashing, curbs, and installation…

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Part 3: From Harsh Glare to Harmony – Designing for Visual Comfort in Daylit Spaces

By Mike Snyder | August 25, 2025

Meta Keywords: skylight glare control, daylight modeling, diffuse daylighting systems, glare-free skylights, daylight comfort Glare kills good design.A space flooded with uncontrolled daylight can quickly turn from inspiring to irritating. Hot spots, blown-out light, sharp contrasts—these visual disruptions can cause occupant discomfort, eye strain, and even reduce productivity. For architects striving to create beautiful, functional…

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