A different take on daylighting

Exposure to natural light is closely linked to human health and wellbeing, and also has a role to play in the energy efficiency of a building. Here Adrian Lukic, Industrial Sales Director at Brett Martin, outlines the benefits of natural light and why specifiers should consider alternatives to traditional glazing.  

Modern life has taken many of us further away from the natural world, with studies showing that we spend as much as 87% of our time indoors. However, there is significant evidence showing the positive effects of natural light. Exposure to natural light throughout the day supports our circadian rhythms, helping us sleep better at night and making us feel more alert during the day. In offices, natural light has been shown to improve both productivity and job satisfaction, while in hospitals it has been linked to the faster and better recovery of patients. In education, studies show better academic performance where classrooms are naturally lit. 

The most obvious way to maximise light is to increase the amount of glazing in a space, but there are many applications where this is not practical. For example, maximising window area could cause uncomfortable levels of glare, or privacy and security concerns. For some projects there may be cost considerations that mean increased levels of traditional glazing is not financially viable. 

An alternative approach is to incorporate architectural polycarbonate systems into the façade. These modular translucent panels connect together securely to create the desired design, from small ‘window’ sections to expansive façades. The direct panel-to-panel connection means there is no need for glazing profiles between panels, resulting in a seamless facade. There are also options that provide alternatives to pitched or curved rooflights.  

One of the key benefits of this type of system is that the translucent panels provide an optimal balance between excellent light transmission and privacy for building occupants while also eliminating glare, instead delivering a visually comfortable, diffused illumination. For example, our Marlon Clickfix panel product achieves up to 52% light transmission. 

From a design perspective, polycarbonate panels provide a range of options, including custom colours, and can be used to create a striking aesthetic. At night the panels work in the opposite direction, with the interior lighting making the building glow and providing a ‘light box’ effect, such as at the Belfast Waterfront Hall. 

Polycarbonate systems also offer excellent energy efficiency performance. Quality polycarbonate systems deliver low levels of thermal conductivity to minimise heat losses through the building fabric. Marlon Clickfix 40mm panels, for example, have a U-value of 0.99W/m²K. By selecting the right product, specifiers can ensure solar gains are limited, preventing overheating and creating a more comfortable environment. By increasing the levels of natural light within the building, occupants are also less reliant on artificial lighting, lowering the amount of energy the building uses.  

Some polycarbonate solutions can help to lower the embodied carbon of the building through the use of bio-based circular materials and renewable energy in the production of its panels. Brett Martin’s Marlon BioPlus, for example, replaces 89% of the fossil-based raw material with a more sustainable alternative that is International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) certified. High-quality panel systems are durable and have excellent resistance to accidental and intentional damage, with an impact resistance that is up to 200 times greater than glass. Depending on the product, they can also offer excellent UV resistance and tolerance to extremes in temperature. 

As with any façade system, it is important to choose the right partner, especially for complex projects. Leading suppliers will be able to provide technical assistance, specification and design guidance as well as support throughout the project. Polycarbonate panel systems can provide an excellent option for increasing daylight levels where traditional glazing is not suitable. Not only providing an eye-catching aesthetic, the right system can deliver excellent light transmission without glare, while also limiting heat losses and providing long-term durability. 

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