Architects and designers are always searching for innovative ways to incorporate daylight into their buildings, and the addition of commercial skylights can be a great solution. From harvesting more daylight to blurring the lines between indoors and out, commercial skylights offer several advantages for businesses and their occupants.
In this blog post, we will delve into four key benefits of incorporating commercial skylights into building designs. We’ll explore how a new SCHEELS sporting goods, sportswear and footwear store in Johnstown, Colorado used commercial skylights to help connect shoppers to the great outdoors.
1. Increased Natural Light
Natural light plays a vital role in creating a healthy and productive work environment. Skylights, or “windows on the roof,” infuse natural light into a space, enhancing mood, reducing stress, and boosting productivity among employees and customers. Studies have shown that individuals working in offices with ample natural light experience higher levels of job satisfaction, increased ability to focus on the task, and improved overall well-being compared to people working in spaces lacking natural light.
With the Johnstown SCHEELS location, the project team ushered in natural light with a grand atrium featuring a canopy of skylights manufactured by SageGlass. The SageGlass skylight is made with dynamic smart glass that darkens and lightens in response to the sun, optimizing the amount of natural light throughout the day to keep shoppers and staff comfortable.
2. Reduced Energy Costs
Artificial lighting is a major contributor to a building’s energy consumption and costs. By harnessing natural light, skylights decrease the reliance on artificial lighting during daytime hours, which is significant. This reduction in energy consumption can lead to substantial cost savings for businesses. Moreover, skylights contribute to a greener and more sustainable approach to building design, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with excessive artificial lighting.
According to our partners at Linel, a certain amount of daylighting is now part of the prescriptive design requirements in the new Standard for the Design of High Performance, Green Buildings, except for Low-rise Residential Buildings (ANSI, ASHRAE’s, USGBC, IES 189.1). The US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED rating system offers credits for daylighting, and skylights are a common design feature in many “green” buildings.
Even at its darkest tint level, SageGlass maintains its connection to the great outdoors without the negative effects of the sun. SageGlass will help SCHEELS dramatically reduce its energy demand and use of HVAC by blocking up to 91 percent of solar heat.
3. Enhanced Aesthetics
Commercial skylights add beauty, character, and focal features to a building’s design. Skylights create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior, allowing for breathtaking views of the sky and surrounding landscapes. The aesthetic enhancement of incorporating skylights can make interior spaces feel more open, spacious, and conducive to creativity.
The use of Sage Glass made for a stunning façade set against a beautiful Colorado skyline. SageGlass makes up almost every piece of exterior glass at the Johnstown SCHEELS, which includes a grand atrium, a large skylight, curtain walls and clerestories. SageGlass was also used in the employee break room area that faces east.
4. Increased Property Value
Investing in commercial skylights can increase property value, making the building more desirable to potential tenants and buyers. Numerous studies have shown that properties with ample natural light command higher prices and experience faster sales compared to those lacking this feature. Integrating skylights into commercial buildings can be a smart investment, resulting in greater returns and long-term value appreciation.
Incorporating commercial skylights into building designs offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to a healthier, more energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and valuable commercial space. Most importantly, the investment into the wellbeing of employees is invaluable.
If you’re considering a new commercial building project, T.FIN Building Solutions, along with their expert skylight design systems from Linel Skylights, can provide you with design options and project case studies highlighting the advantages of designing with commercial skylights.
You can also check out Linel Custom Skylights, Walkways, & Canopies Brochure for more information and design options of commercial skylights. These innovative features will not only create a pleasant work environment but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of your business.