Page 8 - spaces4learning, Fall 2023

Five Advantages of Tubular Daylighting:
1. ImprovedWell-being
One of the primary benefits of incorporating natural daylight into educational environments, as highlighted by a study conducted by the Lighting Research Center, is its profound impact on improving student and teacher well-being. Daylight exposure can improve circadian rhythms, enhancing alertness, sustained energy, sleep quality and overall health. Additionally, daylight boosts the production of the happy hormone, serotonin, reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
2. Increased Attendance and Student Achievement
According to a study published in the Alexandria Engineering Journal, among various design factors in educational facilities such as air temperature, acoustics and CO2 concentration, daylight has the greatest impact on overall student progress. This is because good daylighting offers better quality light, which in return reduces eye strain and eye (and brain) fatigue. A study conducted by The Heschong Mahone Group found that students in naturally lit classrooms progressed 20􏰀 faster in math tests, 26􏰀 faster in reading tests and when end-of-year test scores were used as the outcome variable, students in classrooms with the most daylighting were found to have 􏰁􏰀 to 1􏰂􏰀 higher scores than those with less daylight. They also found that attendance rates (in both teachers and students) were higher than those in un-daylighted schools.
3. Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency
Solatube TDDS not only reduce electrical energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions generated during electricity production but also excel in thermal e􏰃ciency, minimi􏰄ing heat loss in winter and heat gain on hot days, thus reducing the need for both heating and cooling. This is achieved through InfraReduction Technology, which is integrated into the Spectralight Infinity tubing and employs a proprietary process to filter out infrared wavelengths, thereby reducing solar heat gain. Additionally, thermal breaks designed between the flashing and tubing ensure heat is not conducted from the roof to the interior. Specific insulation components are also available to address any climate. These combined benefits can help schools achieve LEED accreditation, earn Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) credits and meet the 􏰅etter 􏰅uildings Challenge requirements 􏰆 all of which can help when competing for funds.
4. Adaptable and Reconfigurable
Another standout feature of a TDD is the tube design, which can adapt to the ever-changing building interior needs. Unlike traditional skylights, a TDDs’ angular capability allows the tubing to navigate around obstacles like mechanical ducts, sprinkler lines and structural elements, eliminating the need for rooftop openings directly above the desired daylight area. This adaptability simplifies structural design and allows rooftop apertures to naturally fit within the building’s layout.
It also provides future interior design flexibility, as the angular tubing and components can be easily adjusted to accommodate layout changes, fixture upgrades or lighting control modifications.
5. Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Similar to modular design, Solatube TDDs feature factory-assembled parts for faster, easier and more professional-looking installations. The passive daylighting technology does not rely on moving parts, making it virtually maintenance-free. Seals prevent bug and dirt infiltration. In addition, the dome and flashing are designed to eliminate de- bris build-up. Unlike traditional skylights, which need periodic cleaning and inspection, TDDs do not require ongoing maintenance.
In conclusion, access to daylight is an important element in the learning environment. Using Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) does more than simply brighten up a space, it improves the wellbeing of students and teachers and our planet.
To learn more about Solatube Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs),
visit www.solatube.com or call 􏰂􏰂􏰂.SOLAT􏰇􏰅E to set up a free consultation.
Lighting the Path to Excellence:
Five Advantages of using Tubular Daylighting in Educational Facilities
Students spend more time in school buildings than just about anywhere, so it’s no surprise that a facility’s design can have a significant impact on learning, as well as children’s health and well-being. As educators and architects alike seek innovative solutions to enhance the quality of educational spaces, one technology stands out as a beacon of illumination - Tubular Daylighting Devices.
Tubular Daylighting Devices, or TDDs for short, are an ideal way to deliver daylight to learning environments. TDDs capture sunlight at the roof level and deliver consistent and controllable diffused light deep within a building’s interior, on both sunny and cloudy days. Solatube International, a Kingspan Light + Air company, stands as the pioneer and industry leader of tubular daylighting technology.
The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable design has set new standards for transforming indoor spaces with natural daylight.