The world of skylights has seen tremendous evolution in the past, especially if you compare today’s modern skylights to the ones used by the Romans. From simple openings in roofs to today's advanced solid-state designs, skylights have transformed through centuries of innovation.
While the concept of a skylight has been used since the dawn of construction, it was originally used more for ventilation than anything else. This was particularly true for hotter regions, where sun exposure needed to be limited, or when covering skylights with curtains was particularly difficult.
In this article, we will look closer at how skylights have evolved over the years and understand the art and science behind today’s effective skylight design, i.e., solid-state skylights.
Skylights in the Roman Empire
The concept of skylights dates back to ancient Rome. In their architectural industry, the Romans used to have a number of open spaces in the middle of a dome or a wall. These were known as oculus. One of the most famous examples of this is the Pantheon.
Built around 113-125 AD, it features an oculus that is a remarkable feat, even today. It is a 27-foot-wide opening at the dome’s apex. It lights up the interior while also providing ventilation. The Romans' skylights were primitive but served essential functions of light and air. It has been upgraded and reinforced several times throughout history to preserve the architectural marvel.
Medieval and Renaissance Skylights
During the Middle Ages, skylights became more functional and decorative, primarily in Gothic cathedrals. From the 12th to the 16th centuries, these buildings featured stained glass windows and small skylights to bring light into different interiors.
During the day, these skylights would light up the cathedrals much more than traditional lighting methods. At night, they would be used for stargazing.
However, these skylights were limited in scope and often served religious or symbolic purposes more than practical lighting.
The Renaissance period, spanning the 14th to the 17th centuries, saw a revival of classical architecture. Skylights were used more creatively, integrating with the architectural aesthetics of buildings such as Florence Cathedral. The skylight used a lantern at the top of the dome to bring light into the interior.
Industrial Revolution and Early 20th Century
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant shift in skylight design. With the advent of new materials like cast iron and the development of glass manufacturing, skylights became more widespread and functional.
Note that the skylights before this time did not have any glass in them. They were open, serving ventilation purposes as well. However, this also meant that they would need to be covered during harsh weather or would invite dust, debris, or animals into the buildings.
As glass manufacturing became widespread, the architectural marvel also found roots in commercial settings. Factories and warehouses installed large skylights to maximize daylight and reduce dependence on artificial lighting.
In the early 20th century, advancements in building materials and techniques led to more innovative skylight designs. The Art Deco movement, for example, saw the introduction of glass block skylights. During this time, each architectural marvel served more than just one purpose. Skylights provided both light and an element of design.
Mid to Late 20th Century
The post-World War II era saw a boom in architectural experimentation and innovation. By the 1960s and 1970s, skylights had become a common feature in residential and commercial buildings. Acrylic and polycarbonate materials emerged, allowing for larger and more durable skylights.
In the 1980s and 1990s, energy efficiency became a priority. Skylights were designed with insulated glazing units or IGUs to improve thermal performance and reduce energy costs. Global warming also meant that the focus on thermal insulation was much higher at this point with skylights than ever before.
Innovations in sealing techniques also helped prevent leaks, a common problem in earlier skylight designs.
The Modern Era: Solid-State Skylights
Today, solid-state skylights, such as those produced by VTECH, represent the pinnacle of skylight design. These skylights combine centuries of innovation, advanced materials, engineering, and design.
The Science of Solid-State Skylights
Our world’s first and well-recognized strongest skylight, the solid-state skylight, uses several different materials and manufacturing techniques. The key to their effectiveness lies in several core features:
- Durability: VTECH skylights are made using Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), which produces highly durable composite products. This process is often used in the automotive industry for parts that withstand extreme conditions.
- Weather Resistance: The solid-state design ensures that these skylights are leak-proof and resistant to damage from the elements. They can withstand severe weather conditions, from heavy rain to strong winds and even hail.
- Thermal Efficiency: VTECH uses advanced glazing options, including Low-E glass, to enhance thermal performance. This helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces energy costs.
- Customization: VTECH skylights are designed to fit any commercial or industrial building without compromising structural integrity. The modular adapters allow for seamless integration into various roof designs.
The Art of Designing Solid-State Skylights
The true art behind our skylights is the combination of form and function that they represent. These skylights are practical, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a building as well as the overall mood of those inside. The design process involves:
- Aesthetic Integration: Ensuring the skylights complement the architectural style of the building. This involves careful consideration of size, shape, and placement.
- User Experience: Designing for ease of installation and maintenance. VTECH skylights are engineered for simple installation with minimal parts and easy-to-follow instructions.
- Light Quality: Providing the right quality of light. VTECH skylights offer various glazing options to control light diffusion and reduce glare, creating a pleasant indoor environment.
- Safety: Incorporating features for safety and durability. VTECH skylights are tested for fall protection, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards.
To ensure that everything is at par with our quality assurance protocols and the VTECH quality standard, each skylight is designed and engineered specifically for function and placement using CAD software. This allows for better precision and performance.
Furthermore, high-quality polyurethane is used for the frame, ensuring flexibility and toughness. The glass is chemically bonded to the frame for added durability. Each of our skylight is subjected to extensive testing, including:
- Impact resistance,
- Thermal performance,
- Design loads,
- Weatherproofing, and more.
VTECH, as a premium solid-state skylight manufacturer, offers custom configurations to fit unique architectural requirements. Coupled with our modular adapters, it allows allow for the clustering of skylights to fit any size opening.
To determine the viability of your project and to get the strongest skylight out there designed specifically for your property, get in touch. We would love to help survey your property and help your property reach its full architectural potential! Contact us today to start your project and see how VTECH skylights can transform your space.