When designing skylights, the process involves several critical factors that work together to create a functional, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution. Here, we will take you through the six main pillars of skylight planning, each influencing the overall performance of the skylight system.
Skylight Shape
The design of the skylight begins with its shape—whether rectangular, square, dome-shaped, arched, or otherwise. This decision significantly affects the steel structure’s setup. Practical design choices often prioritize symmetry, which ensures not only structural integrity but also visual harmony. The shape influences how light enters, how the structure is supported, and how energy is transmitted or blocked. For skylight designs using tensile fabric structures, the shape becomes even more critical, as the fabric’s tension and flexibility must be carefully accounted for to ensure durability and visual appeal.
Shading and Solar Radiation Transmission (G-value)
One of the most critical factors in skylight planning is the shading performance, commonly referred to as G-value. Simply put, G-value is a measure of the solar radiation allowed to enter the skylight. A G-value of 1.0 indicates that the maximum solar radiation is transmitted, similar to the transmittance of a 3mm clear glass, while a G-value of 0 represents complete opacity. For skylights utilizing tensile fabric structures, the shading can be finely tuned by selecting specific fabric types, such as PTFE or PVC tensile membrane architectural grade fabric, which can offer a wide range of light transmittance options. Proper management of G-value ensures a comfortable indoor environment while maintaining energy efficiency.
Thermal Conductivity (U-value)
The U-value is a measure of thermal conductivity and reflects how much heat is lost or gained through the skylight. A higher U-value means more heat loss in winter and more heat gain in summer, increasing energy consumption and compromising comfort. Conversely, a lower U-value minimizes heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing the energy burden on HVAC systems. Skylights made with tensile fabric structures often exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties due to their multi-layered configurations or integrated air cushions, providing energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort.
Skylight Span and Structural Costs
The span of a skylight refers to the distance the skylight covers without requiring structural supports such as columns. While there are no theoretical limits to the span, the cost of the supporting structure increases significantly with larger spans. In scenarios involving tensile fabric structures, the lightweight yet robust nature of the materials allows for efficient solutions for long spans without requiring excessive structural reinforcements. For example, tensile membranes have been successfully used in large-scale projects like stadiums and arenas, demonstrating their capability for cost-effective and visually striking designs.
Skylight Panel Shape and Complexity
The shape of the skylight panels impacts not only the aesthetic outcome but also the complexity of fabrication, installation, and long-term performance. Standard panel shapes that have been used previously will likely require fewer man-hours during fabrication and installation, leading to reduced costs and better overall performance. In the case of tensile fabric structures, the panel shapes can be customized to create innovative and dynamic designs while maintaining structural integrity. However, designers must carefully manage the tension in the fabric to ensure durability and weather resistance.
Material Selection
The final key consideration in skylight planning is the choice of material. Materials can range from rigid cladding options such as glass and aluminum to more flexible options like tensile fabric structures (e.g., PTFE, PVC) or ETFE membrane structures with air cushions (either single layer or multiple air-filled layer). Tensile fabric structures offer a unique blend of lightweight construction, excellent shading options, and flexibility in design. Compared to rigid materials, tensile fabrics can adapt to various shapes and provide tailored solutions for both thermal and light performance. The selection of materials must be guided by other factors outlined above—such as thermal performance, shading requirements, and structural considerations—to ensure a balanced and cost-effective solution.
TE Membrane’s reputation in tensile membrane structures and ETFE speacialist in Southeast Asia is built on a foundation of design innovation, engineering excellence, and a commitment to sustainability and quality. Their present in across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar. To showcases their ability to adapt and excel in diverse environments, making them a trusted partner for any tensile membrane project.
