Natural light’s cost-saving and productivity-raising characteristics are no secret, and incorporating natural light as a major element of design is most often the rule and no longer an exception, especially since daylight harvesting considerations are now required by many local and national energy codes and standards, including California Title 24. Daylight harvesting has evolved to have broad meaning, but at its core is a way of leveraging or manipulating natural light to meet the needs of a facility effectively and efficiently. To further maximize benefits, integrating daylight harvesting with other products and systems is now a growing trend.
… when motorized or fully automated, the products can be integrated with AVL systems and responsibilities, since natural light and its thermal byproducts certainly impact the worship experience.
n general, fully and semi-automated daylight harvesting products are falling under the control of building management systems where the light harvested naturally can be managed in concert with other auxiliary lighting systems. But a popular and specific point of integration is within AVL systems in worship spaces. Bill Maiman, marketing manager for MechoSystems, with U.S. offices in Long Island, N.Y., reports, “In a house of worship especially, natural light and a view will put attendees in a better frame of mind and they’ll be better able to receive the message—it’s a very calming effect. However, there’s nothing more annoying than for a window-backlit speaker to be in silhouette, or for the sun to be shining in on your arms.” These interferences and discomforts can be managed by many different products, including SolarTrac, ShadeLoc and Monumental Shades from MechoSystems, without eliminating natural lighting or views to the outside. And, when motorized or fully automated, the products can be integrated with AVL systems and responsibilities, since natural light and its thermal byproducts certainly impact the worship experience.
Other products syncing up with daylight harvesting include building envelope and façade systems. Light shelves, such as Luminance Light Shelves from YKK AP, are specified to work with facades and other elements of the building envelope to maximize thermal barriers and cast daylight farther into a building than a window alone—up to 25 feet, according to Steve Schohan, marketing and communications manager for YKK AP, with U.S. offices in Marietta, Ga. In addition, natural light’s thermal properties make it a shoe-in for HVAC integration. Derek Malmquist, vice president of marketing for SageGlass based in Faribault, Minn., shares the story of a student center at a community college in the unusually warm town of Hayward outside of San Francisco: “They wanted to incorporate natural light and energy savings as much as possible and through [SageGlass] solar control windows were ultimately able to control the environment enough that an HVAC system wasn’t even required for the building.”As technology and products continue to evolve, means of integrating them will, too.
Suntuitive is a self-tinting window technology made from the same laminate used in car windshields—with the addition of Pleotint’s “special sauce.” Thermo chromic Suntuitive windows darken gradually and dynamically when heated by direct sunlight and are surprisingly simple to install, according to the company. There is no wiring and no electrical work required. The laminate glass has noise deadening properties, affords 100% UV blockage, and is available for operative windows, as well.
The SolarTrac system utilizes a pre-programmed algorithm customized for the geospatial position of a building. By inputting calculations of the angle of the sun in different seasons, these motorized shades are able to move to predetermined positions to manage glare and control solar radiation while maintaining views to the outside. The system’s primary objective is keeping shades raised to maximize natural light while saving energy and reducing distractions caused by the sun shining into the building.
ShadeLoc is an award-winning motorized shade system that features side channels that enclose and hold the zippered edge of the shade to ensure that there are no light gaps. The design minimizes the need for shade-support hardware such as rollers, guide cables, or battens. The system can be used for solar, blackout, or a combination. Extrusions are available for linking multiple shades with one motor.
EnerGfacade YCW 750 XT Curtain Wall from YKK AP
The enerGfacade is a product line of energy efficient façade systems and operable windows. The YCW 750 XT curtain wall system is equipped with YKK AP’s MegaTherm technology that uses structural polyamide struts and advanced glazing options. For structural integrity, the dead load of the insulating glass rests on integrated structural supports, diverting the load away from thermal barriers. The system yields best-in-class thermal performance and exceeds not only current codes, but also the most stringent green building codes and standards in the market today. Image courtesy of YKK AP.
EnerGfacade YES 45 XT High Performance Storefront from YKK AP
This storefront system, which is part of YKK AP’s enerGfacade line, is a dual thermal barrier design that significantly reduces heat transfer and keeps internal surfaces warmer. Mechanical lock profile (MLP) technology from AZON USA Inc. delivers superior structural integrity to provide longer vertical spans and horizontal spacings. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with Luminance and ThermaShade products.
SageGlass from Sage Electrochromics Inc.
Unlike photo chromic or thermo chromic self-tinting windows that are controlled by the external factors of light and heat, SageGlass electro chromic windows are an on-demand technology. Every SageGlass window is independently wired, has a specific IP address, and can be controlled remotely. Gradient technology allows the operator to select fully clear, fully tinted or anywhere in between.
This photovoltaic product is self-powered and completely wireless, making it ideal for older or retrofitted buildings where introducing wiring could be problematic.Through integrated solar cells that provide self-contained power and a wireless interface, SageGlass Unplugged provides the comfort and convenience of electro chromic glass to skylights, curtain walls and clerestory windows. It is controllable via mobile device. Image courtesy of SageGlass.
LightZone allows for the creation of up to three variable tint zones within a single pane of SageGlass. By developing custom zoning strategies and through use of dynamic control, LightZone tracks the sun as it moves across the sky and helps occupants achieve a balance between comfort and optimal delighting. Image courtesy of SageGlass.
Monumental Shades from MechoSystems
Monumental motorized shades are customized in terms of window sizing and design of a space. The system manages glare, controls solar radiation and can be customized with artwork to add to the décor of an area. Monumental shades may also be integrated into other control systems to be managed by a crew or operated by a wall switch. The shades come in all shapes and sizes and are available up to 40 feet wide.
ThermaShade Sun Control System from YKK AP
The ThermaShade system is ideal for curtain walls and can also be attached to masonry walls, allowing designers to maintain a uniform look across the entire building envelope. ThermaShade is a sunshade designed to redirect sunlight and thus promote comfort and reduce energy consumption. It features a thermal barrier within the attachment anchor; numerous pre-engineered solutions are available.
Luminance Light Shelves from YKK AP
Because windows only bring daylight about 15 feet into a building they need supplementation to maximize their effect. Luminance Light Shelves can extend the range of perimeter day lighting to about 25 feet on sunny days. Light shelves also prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a space by reflecting sunlight onto the ceiling, reducing glare and increasing light levels. This system is constructed from high-quality aluminum extrusions and a lightweight, rigid honeycomb core with melamine surface—a reflective and slightly textured surface that yields a penetrating, diffused light.
