Architectural light shelf

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A light shelf is a horizontal surface that reflects sunlight deep into the building. The shelf is placed above the eye level and has a high reflecting upper surface, which reflects sunlight to the ceiling and deeper into space.

Shelves are usually used in high-rise office buildings and low, as well as institutional buildings. This design is generally used on the side facing the equator of the building, where maximum sunlight is found, and as a result is most effective. Not only light racks that allow light to penetrate buildings, they are also designed for shade near the windows, due to the racking of the shelves, and help reduce window glare. Exterior shelves are generally a more effective shadow device than interior shelves. The combination of exterior and interior racks will work best in providing a uniform lighting gradient.

Video Architectural light shelf

Benefits

Architectural shelves have been shown to reduce the need for artificial lighting in buildings. Because they can reflect deeper light into space, the use of incandescent and fluorescent lamps can be reduced or completely eliminated, depending on space. Light rack allows sunlight to penetrate the space up to 2.5 times the distance between the floor and the top of the window. Today, advanced light rack technology makes it possible to increase the distance up to 4 times. In spaces such as classrooms and offices, lamp shelves have been shown to increase occupant comfort and productivity. Furthermore, incorporating a light rack in acceptable building design for LEED points systems, falls under the category "Environmental Environmental Quality: Day & Views".

Maps Architectural light shelf

Limitations

Shelving may not be suitable for all climates. They are generally used in mild climates and not in tropical climates or deserts because of the strong solar heat. This hot climate, compared to mild climate, requires very small window openings to reduce the amount of heat infiltration.

The fact that the light rack extends a fair distance into the room may result in a disruption to the sprinkler system. In Canada, they can not exceed 1200 mm (4 ft) wide if a sprinkler is present or the design will require integration with the sprinkler system to cover the floor area under the light shelf. They also require higher floor-to-ceiling elevations to make them effective, or during the day may be accidentally diverted to the occupants' eyes.

The distance to space that light is cast varies depending on the time and day of the year.

The shelf also improves maintenance needs and window coverings should be coordinated with the design of the lamp shelf.

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Alternative

Alternatives to light shelves for window shutters include curtains and Louver systems, both of which can be either interior or exterior.

Curtains reduce the benefits of the sun, but slightly reduce the light to the interior space.

The exterior Louver system often relies on adjustments from complex servo motors or building occupants throughout the day to operate properly. Both systems are sometimes unreliable, reducing the overall benefits of having a natural lighting system.

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See also

• Daylight lighting

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References

Source of the article : Wikipedia