Dial up the daylight for max visual appeal, minimal energy use

Daylighting is the practice of orienting skylights, windows, and reflective surfaces so that sunlight can effectively illuminate your building interiors.

Besides brightening your space with stunning natural light, daylighting a building can offer benefits such as
ventilation, architectural drama, passive solar design for energy efficiency, and a more beautiful view.

Customers are demanding fenestration that focuses on glazing and overall architectural design as energy certifications for new buildings become the standard.

On a more emotional level, natural light can elevate the disposition of those inside. Reduced levels of sunlight in the fall and winter can lower levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Optimizing the available light is a guaranteed mood boost during the season of shorter days.

HOW TO DAYLIGHT

Besides adding skylights or sun tunnels, enlarging window openings is the easiest way to design with daylight. A low-cost way to create the look of a large glass space is to use standard products to mull, or join, windows together. Try adding a row of picture windows to the top of a standard-sized patio door to add height and natural light.

Window tints and films, low-E glass and blinds between the glass are other options for maximizing solar heat gain during the winter and reducing it during the summer.

Have questions about the right windows for your daylighting project? The Deceuninck Commercial Alliance
brings together the know-how of our manufacturing partners, then offers up this expertise to contractors, architects and others working to make the best of use of natural light.

Learn more about the latest daylighting methods here.