No matter how far back you go, natural light has always been a critical element of great architecture. Recently, skylights have emerged as an innovative way to bring light into potentially gloomy or awkward spaces. They’re a functional solution for areas where traditional windows are not possible or not enough, like basements or north-facing rooms. Beyond their practical benefits, skylights are now a design statement in their own right, reflecting the latest styles in contemporary architecture. Here are four of the top skylight trends currently shaping modern design.
1. Walk-On Skylights
Walk-on rooflights have gained popularity in recent years for their perfect combination of functionality and style. We’re seeing them pop up in all sorts of buildings, from private homes to commercial spaces like hotels. These innovative features are made from super-durable glass that’s strong enough to support foot traffic, so they’re ideal for rooftop terraces, green roofs, or mezzanine floors.
Thanks to innovations from forward-thinking companies, roof lights are now more thermally efficient and safe, too. For instance, the Sunsquare skylights and rooflights range is fire-rated EI30 or EI60 for integrity and insulation, an unusual but welcome achievement in the skylight market.
2. Frameless Skylights
Frameless skylights are a favorite among fans of minimalism. Architects and designers love them for their clean, uninterrupted lines, which allow natural light to pour in without any distractions. The seamless integration of frameless skylights helps create a smoother flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This makes rooms feel larger and more open. Overall, they’re a great choice for a modern, simple, and minimalist aesthetic.
3. Smart Skylights
Smart technology is revolutionizing how we interact with our living and working spaces, and skylights are no exception. Smart skylights can be controlled remotely through an app on your phone or a wall control panel. They can also be connected with home automation systems like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home for the ultimate modern convenience. Features like automated ventilation, rain sensors, and dimming glass provide a hassle-free way to create the perfect indoor environment.
4. Opening Skylights
Opening skylights are an exciting innovation that fuses the concepts of a rooflight with an access point. They’re designed to open wide, like a door, creating an unusual exit to the floor above. They’ve become a popular space-saving choice for everything from kitchens with wine cellars to apartments with rooftop gardens. Easily controlled by a wall switch, these dual-purpose skylights offer sleek mechanical functionality. With the push of a button, the glass laminated panel lifts in a smooth motion. When fully open, the panel sits at a 90-degree angle, allowing residents to pass through comfortably.
A Bright Future for Skylight Design
From simple frameless designs to smart technologies and fixed installations to hatch-like contraptions, skylights are transforming how we balance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces in architecture. These four trends demonstrate the versatility and innovation of skylights, highlighting their suitability for residential and commercial spaces. For architects and designers, a modern skylight might be the perfect feature to blend form and function in your next project.
