Skylighting is SKYDÔME’s core expertise. Mastering natural light to ingeniously illuminate the building, reveal its architectural qualities and, what’s more, develop its energy and environmental performance while optimizing user comfort. This recognized expertise has enabled SKYDÔME to establish itself as the leading brand in its market and become the generic term for zenithal skylights.
Lighting a building is an essential but complex issue. The behavior of natural light is often difficult to control, leading many architects to minimize it in favor of artificial lighting, which is more adaptable but above all much more energy-consuming !
Lighting a building is an essential but complex issue. The behavior of natural light is often difficult to control, leading many architects to minimize it in favor of artificial lighting, which is more adaptable but above all much more energy-consuming !
In addition to lighting, zenithal lighting solutions such as skylights, sheds or glass roofs make it possible to take advantage of the sun's thermal contribution to reduce heating consumption.
« By combining good management of natural light with control of artificial lighting, we could reduce office lighting costs by 30 to 50%!»
Implementing an efficient zenithal lighting solution is a direct contribution to sustainable development, with a significant impact on a building's overall energy consumption.
Optimized daylighting management translates directly into a reduction in the amount of waste produced by the building during its operation or when it is demolished. For example, each lamp saved eliminates the need to recycle the gas it contains, or the fact of avoiding the installation of an air conditioning unit eliminates the problem of recycling the Freon used.
The lack of natural light has been shown to be a source of depression, fatigue and stress, causing sleepiness, tiredness, insomnia and irritability. These problems diminish with the arrival of spring, as the days get longer.
Natural light is therefore the most pleasant, efficient and economical form of lighting: a suitable zenithal lighting system provides a feeling of optimum comfort, despite lighting levels that are lower than those provided artificially. Its cyclical nature is an important factor in our mental equilibrium and establishes a harmony with the outside world that is conducive to the well-being of occupants.
Most of the problems involved in controlling natural light can be solved using standard construction methods and elements.
In the medium and long term, some of the costs associated with using natural light in a building are offset by a reduction in the running costs of the lighting and air-conditioning systems they generate. These operating costs cover both maintenance and energy consumption.
Finally, some of the additional investment made to optimize lighting management can be recouped by eliminating other systems or elements that are no longer needed. The cost of solar protection, for example, can be offset by the elimination of an air conditioning system.