Six Types of Skylights

Skylights have been used for centuries, starting with the very first oculus.  Today’s skylights range from standard ridges and pyramids to interesting custom shapes. 

Skylights in commercial buildings offer far more than just natural illumination. They create vibrant, energizing spaces that can boost productivity, enhance well-being, and even speed patient recovery in healthcare settings.

Modern skylight systems integrate with smart building technologies, optimizing energy efficiency and comfort. They can improve acoustics, aid in wayfinding, and serve as unique marketing features.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the six different skylight shapes:

Ridge Skylights

A Ridgelite also known as a Ridgelight, back-to-back or two-sided skylight is a type of skylight that features a common ridge, or apex, and two sides. These skylights create opportunities for long continuous runs for maximum light penetration. The triangular shape provides excellent strength and flexibility. In flat roof applications Ridgelites will have gable ends also known as ends lights which can be glazed with glass or architectural panels.

Pros:
  • Ridge skylights provide extensive natural light running long distances
  • Ideal for large open spaces
  • Ridge lights can create a dramatic architectural feature
Cons:
  • May require additional structural support when they are covering a wide expanse
  • Potentially more complex installation and maintenance depending on size

Pyramid Skylights

Pyramid skylights draw inspiration from a timeless architectural form that has been utilized for over 4,500 years. Characterized by their four sloping sides that converge at a single point, these skylights create a striking four-sided, triangular appearance. Pyramid skylights not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building but also allow for abundant natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and contributing to energy efficiency. Their design ensures an even distribution of light, creating bright and inviting interior spaces.

Pros:
  • The unique design collects and distributes light 360 degrees
  • The design is aesthetically appealing
  • The shape makes it ideal for shedding water and debris
Cons:
  • Complexity of shape creates difficulties in install
  • Concentration of glass adds to solar heat gain.
  • Intricate design and unique shape leads to increased costs.

Polygon Skylights

Polygon shapes play a fascinating role in architecture, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. These geometric designs may add a key visual elements in modern sustainable architecture. The shapes are versatile and visually stunning, a point of interest in any structure.

Pros:
  • These are very unique architectural elements
  • Versatile design options (6-8 sides or more)
  • Because of the many segments, they provide even light distribution
Cons:
  • Polygons are more complex and require a more costly installation
  • May require custom manufacturing to fit the final design and desired location
  • The multiple facets make maintenance and cleaning challenging

Unit Skylights

A unit skylight, as the name suggests, is a single skylight typically featuring a single glazing plane.  While unit skylights can have a domed shape, flat skylights often glaze with insulated glass units or multiwall polycarbonate. Architects often incorporate multiple unit skylights into their overall design and lighting plans to enhance natural light and improve energy efficiency.

Pros:
  • Versatile, they can be installed in different configurations or patterns
  • They are often more affordable than custom-designed skylights
  • Because there is only one panel and fewer parts, they are easier to maintain and repair
Cons:
  • They lack the visual impact of larger skylight systems
  • More skylights are required for larger spaces
  • Skylight units provide only a limited amount of natural light.

Single Slope Skylights

Sometimes referred to as single pitch or lean-to skylights. While it may seem like these are unit skylights, single slope skylights are made up of several panels of dual-pane glazing, typically with insulated glass or multiwall polycarbonate. These skylights can be placed directly on a curb with a sloped pitch structure or built onto a parapet wall in flat roof applications.

Pros:
  • These skylights have a simple, cost-effective design
  • Easy to integrate into the existing slope or flat roof structures
  • The slope causes water to run right off
Cons:
  • Because there isn’t much artistry, they are less dramatic than other styles
  • The single angle of light into the building is less than multi-faceted designs
  • Limited spans without substructure

Barrel Skylights

Barrel vault skylights, also known as barrel-vaulted skylights, are an elegant and functional architectural feature that support large, curved glass pieces. These skylights create a stunning visual impact in a variety of applications, providing an abundance of natural light while enhancing a building’s aesthetic appeal.

 

Pros:
  • The barrel shape provides even light distribution
  • The shape is a distinctive architectural feature
  • Because of the shape, they are effective at shedding water and snow
Cons:
  • The curved shape is a more complex installation compared to flat skylights
  • Custom manufacturing is required for both the framework and the curved glass
  • Limited in size in glass applications

How to choose the right skylight for your project

After considering the pros and cons of various skylight shapes, it’s important to evaluate several key factors when selecting the ideal skylight for a commercial project.  This is a list of considerations.

Purpose and Occupancy

The building’s function and occupant needs should guide skylight selection. Retail spaces may benefit from skylights that provide even light distribution, while office environments may benefit from defused light.

Energy Efficiency

Prioritize skylights designed to maximize natural light utilization. Some advanced models can extend daylight use by up to an hour daily, significantly reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Spatial Considerations

For large, open areas such as atriums or entryways, architectural skylights like pyramids can serve as striking focal points while fulfilling functional lighting needs.

Structural Integration

Ensure compatibility with the existing roof structure. Modular skylight systems often offer easier integration and installation, especially for large commercial projects.

Ventilation Requirements

In areas needing improved air circulation, such as kitchens or bathrooms, consider ventilated skylights to enhance air quality and moisture control.

Maintenance and Durability

Opt for high-quality skylights designed to withstand environmental exposure with minimal upkeep, ensuring long-term performance and reduced maintenance costs.

Light Management

Investigate options with built-in shading or light diffusion features to control glare and heat gain, especially in work environments sensitive to these factors.

Climate Adaptation

Select skylights with appropriate glazing and thermal performance for the local climate to optimize indoor comfort and energy efficiency.

Budget Considerations

Balance initial costs against long-term benefits. While some advanced skylight options may have higher upfront costs, they often offer substantial energy savings over time.

Customization Options

Look for skylight systems that offer design flexibility to align with the project’s architectural vision and specific functional requirements.

Installation Efficiency

Consider the complexity of installation, particularly for large-scale projects. Prefabricated or modular systems can significantly streamline the installation process.

Long-Term Performance

Choose skylights from reputable manufacturers with proven track records in commercial applications, ensuring reliability and potentially better warranty options.

By carefully evaluating these factors alongside the pros and cons of different skylight shapes, architects and building owners can make informed decisions that enhance their building’s aesthetics, functionality, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

A few unique benefits of skylights

Skylights are more than just windows on your roof, they can be game-changers for commercial spaces, offering perks that go way beyond letting in some extra sunshine. We’ve picked out five unique benefits that might surprise you about these overhead wonders. Here’s why skylights are secretly the MVPs of building design:

  • Biophilic design: Skylights help incorporate natural elements into the built environment, supporting biophilic design principles. This connection to nature can improve occupant well-being and satisfaction. One study found that biophilic design can increase productivity by 6% and creativity by up to 15%.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) prevention: Increased exposure to natural light can help mitigate the effects of SAD, particularly in regions with long, dark winters. Skylights can provide a crucial source of natural light during shorter days, helping to regulate circadian rhythms and boost mood for building occupants.  This is especially beneficial in senior living facilities where residents don’t go outside often.
  • Potential for integration with smart building systems: Modern skylights can be integrated with automated shading and lighting control systems, optimizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This integration allows for dynamic adjustment of natural light levels throughout the day, working in tandem with artificial lighting to maintain ideal illumination while maximizing energy savings.
  • Enhanced wayfinding: In large commercial spaces, skylights can serve as natural landmarks, aiding in navigation and creating a sense of orientation for occupants. By providing visual reference points and creating distinct areas of light and shadow, skylights can help people intuitively understand and navigate complex building layouts.
  • Potential for solar energy integration: Some advanced skylight systems can incorporate photovoltaic cells, generating clean energy while providing natural light. This dual functionality can contribute to a building’s sustainability goals, potentially offsetting energy costs while still delivering the benefits of natural illumination.

F.A.Q.

Additional aspects of commercial skylights, including their impact on air quality and acoustics, lifespan and maintenance considerations, specialized applications, and emerging technologies.

How do skylights impact indoor air quality and ventilation in commercial spaces? Are there options for skylights that can be opened or integrated with ventilation systems?

Skylights that include venting can positively impact indoor air quality. Venting options can be manual or automated based on temperature, weather, or time of day. These venting skylights can help improve air circulation, reduce humidity, and remove indoor pollutants. 

What are the typical lifespans of different types of commercial skylights, and what kind of warranty options are generally available?

The lifespan of commercial skylights typically ranges from 20 to 40 years, depending on the materials used, quality of installation, and maintenance.

How do skylights affect the acoustic properties of a space, especially in large commercial buildings like offices or schools?

Skylights can help absorb and diffuse sound.  They can reduce the echo in large spaces.  The height of a skylight can improve sound distribution.  On the other hand,  the hard surfaces of skylights can reflect the sound and potentially increase noise levels. And, of course, rain or hail hitting the skylights will create noise.  Skylights can be designed with laminated glass that has a sound-dampening quality. 

Are there any specific considerations or specialized skylight options for unique commercial environments such as museums, greenhouses, or indoor sports facilities?

Specialized environments often require custom skylight solutions like museums which must protect the artwork.  Skylights can be made using UV-filtering glass or light control.  Greenhouses benefit from skylights that maximize light transmission while managing heat.  Indoor sports facilities require impact-resistant skylights and use shatter-resistant materials.

Are there any emerging technologies or materials in skylight design that are expected to revolutionize the industry in the near future?

We are now offering an option to integrate solar energy panels in the panes of glass. These panels can provide electricity to fans or lights installed with the skylight.

Other innovations on the rise include electrochromic glass which allows skylights to change opacity electronically, adjusting light transmission and heat gain without the need for shades.  Another innovation is photochromic and thermochromic materials that react to light or heat respectively, automatically adjusting their tint to optimize indoor comfort.