Transparent Roofs: Lighting From Above
Natural lighting is something that is highly valued in buildings and the final decoration of environments. For this reason, professionals in the area are increasingly striving to use various resources to enhance the entry of sunlight into the homes. We can mention two applied resources differently but with the same purpose: the zenith lighting and the structures with transparent cover. We have separated some tips and examples of use to apply this type of ceiling at home.
What Is Zenithal Lighting?
We call zenith lighting all the light that comes from above and falls into the house’s interior. This feature is generally applied in darker spaces where we want to promote more significant light input or places where the placement of windows to the outside is impossible. In the above project, the integrated space already had good natural lighting through the sliding glass doors. Still, an opening for zenith lighting runs the entire length of the environment, creating a pleasant climate through the light that spreads from the ceiling to the entire space.
Shapes Of Zenith Elements
There are several ways to apply for the zenith coverage, through skylights, domes, sheds, lanterns, and atrium. Each of these elements varies according to the structure and the type of lighting that you will promote. Skylights are the most used and promote more efficient lighting as they are applied flat and parallel to the building floor. The design of the living room did not include windows. Still, it was designed by guardian home services with an efficient artificial lighting system and a skylight in the corner of the wall that, in addition to illuminating the small internal garden, brings some light from the outside to the interior of the space.
Types Of Closures
To close these zenith elements, we can use glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate and acrylic, in translucent or matte versions, tend to be 30% cheaper than glass. Because it is a lightweight material, it works well with the aluminum structure, lowering its cost. Laminated glass and its structure mean a more significant investment but have an excellent result in sound insulation and valuable life. The materials mentioned may also contain sun protection or, in the case of glass, receive protection films. The kitchen design included, in addition to the window, two skylights for more intense natural lighting, totally dispensing with artificial light during the day.
Installation Of Zenith Elements
Generally at https://www.guardianhome.com/tacoma-roofing/, the zenith elements are designed together with the house’s structure and developed during the construction process but, depending on the house’s structure, and there may be the possibility of including a source of zenith light later. It is a process that must be well studied in order not to compromise the construction with infiltrations and future damage to the structure. This construction with double-height has glass walls and large windows to promote the entry of light to the side of the wall where it was impossible to include windows. The solution included a shen type zenith element, where the light penetrates through the installed glass upright.
Structures With Transparent Cover
The structure with a transparent cover is another alternative to promote the entry of natural light and, at the same time, isolate the environment from bad weather. They are more straightforward and consist of wood, steel, or iron covered with glass, acrylic, polycarbonate plates, or conventional tiles made from these same materials. They are primarily used in outdoor areas as a cover for open spaces. In this project, the rooftop leisure area received a wooden structure and glass cover, making the gourmet area a protected place but full of natural light.
