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Design Spotlight: Controlling Summer Sun
August 3, 2018
Summer heat can be rough, and solar heat gain can be a building's enemy during the hottest parts of the year. From making building occupants uncomfortable to putting stresses on HVAC systems, it can be a detriment to a building's performance.
Perhaps the best way to control solar heat gain is with a daylighting system that offers built-in light diffusion, allowing for sunlight to brighten a space while keeping hot-spots at bay. From translucent panel systems like our Guardian 275®, LightBasic™ and Clima-Tite™ systems to IlluminPC™ polycarbonate multi-wall systems, we have your translucent daylighting needs covered.
That said, we know that not every space is the right fit for a full translucent system. Perhaps it's key that the space have views to the outside, or the building's orientation makes it less important that a full translucent system is used. In those situations, we'd like you to consider a mixed glazed system, where translucent panels and glass are combined in one integrated unit, or a combination of translucent panels and glass as shown above (the Foley Event Center, designed by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc., in Foley, Alabama). This way your building occupants get the views and/or ventilation they need, plus the added benefit of light control and more even daylight diffusion throughout the space. In the case of the Foley Event Center example above, direct sunlight during the mid-day is diffused by the upper translucent panels (and helped spread throughout the space by the white ceiling treatment), while visitors can still get an unobstructed line of sight to outdoor spaces.
Not sure how to proceed with your next daylighting project? Let us help! From retrofit-ready adapter panels that fit into existing curtainwall framing, to integrated mixed glazed systems or simple translucent wall panels, we have a daylighting solution for your design and budget. For more information, call us at 888-759-2678 or check out our Architectural Consulting page.
Company: Major Industries Inc.
Source: https://majorskylights.com
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