Article At A Glance
- In retail, dining, and hospitality industries, skylights create inviting and well-lit spaces that enhance customer experience.
- In warehouses and offices, skylights serve practical functions such as improving visibility and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
- Various types of custom skylights are available for different applications, such as barrel vault, pyramid, dome, flat glass, and tubular.
Natural light has always been a prized element in architecture, but in recent years, businesses have taken it further with custom skylights. From office buildings to retail stores and industrial facilities, skylights are integrated into commercial spaces to enhance aesthetics, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier environments for employees and customers.
Beyond their visual appeal, skylights contribute to sustainability by reducing artificial lighting needs and energy costs. They also play a crucial role in workplace productivity and customer engagement, making them a valuable investment for business owners looking to optimize their spaces. This blog discusses the advantages of incorporating custom skylights in commercial buildings and essential factors to consider during their design and installation.
The Aesthetic Appeal of Custom Skylights
Custom skylights do more than just bring in daylight—they transform commercial spaces by enhancing their architectural design and creating a more inviting atmosphere. Unlike standard windows, skylights allow natural light to filter in from above, highlighting structural elements and adding a sense of openness.
A well-placed skylight can make an office space feel more spacious and modern. Retail environments benefit from skylights’ dynamic, natural lighting, which enhances product displays. Restaurants and hotels can create a more welcoming ambiance, elevating the customer experience with an airy, sunlit atmosphere.
The design possibilities are extensive, with skylights available in various shapes, sizes, and styles to complement different architectural themes. Whether it’s a sleek, contemporary installation or a more intricate design, custom skylights help businesses make a lasting impression.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
One of the most significant advantages of custom skylights for commercial buildings is their contribution to energy efficiency. By harnessing daylight, businesses can reduce their reliance on artificial lighting, leading to substantial energy savings.
Skylights with high-performance glazing or solar-controlled coatings minimize heat gain in warmer months while retaining warmth in colder months, reducing HVAC costs. Many companies pursuing sustainability certifications, such as LEED, integrate skylights into their building designs to meet energy efficiency standards.
Additionally, daylighting solutions help commercial buildings align with green building practices by lowering carbon footprints. With the right design and materials, skylights contribute to environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Improved Employee Well-Being and Productivity
Natural light is crucial to employee well-being; custom skylights help create a healthier work environment. Studies have shown that exposure to daylight improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function, all of which contribute to increased productivity.
Skylights in offices help reduce eye strain caused by artificial lighting, leading to a more comfortable workspace. Employees in naturally lit environments also report higher job satisfaction and lower absenteeism. In industrial settings, improved lighting conditions can enhance safety and efficiency by providing better visibility.
By incorporating custom skylights, businesses can foster a workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellness, which will benefit both workers and employers in the long term.
Retail and Hospitality Benefits
For retail stores, restaurants, and hotels, customer experience is everything—and lighting plays a significant role in shaping that experience. Custom skylights help create inviting, well-lit spaces that enhance ambiance and encourage more extended visits.
In retail, daylight enhances product visibility, making merchandise more attractive to customers. Studies suggest that shoppers spend more time in well-lit stores, increasing the likelihood of purchases. Restaurants and cafés benefit from skylights’ warm, natural glow, making dining spaces more comfortable and appealing.
Hotels and resorts use skylights to create luxurious, sunlit lobbies and guest areas that leave a lasting impression. Whether in a boutique shop or a high-end hotel, skylights contribute to a more memorable and engaging customer experience.
Enhancing Functionality in Industrial & Office Spaces
While skylights are often praised for their beauty, they also serve practical functions in industrial and office spaces. In warehouses and manufacturing facilities, skylights provide consistent daylight, reducing the need for harsh artificial lighting and improving visibility for workers.
Strategically placed skylights in office environments can help reduce glare and distribute natural light evenly throughout the space. This minimizes the need for overhead lighting while maintaining a well-lit, professional atmosphere.
Skylights can also be designed to include ventilation features, improving air circulation and creating a healthier indoor climate. Businesses can enhance efficiency and employee comfort by integrating skylights into functional areas.
Types of Custom Skylights for Commercial Properties
Custom skylights come in various designs to suit different commercial applications. Some of the most popular types include:
- Barrel Vault Skylights – These curved skylights span long distances, making them ideal for large commercial spaces such as malls, atriums, and warehouses.
- Pyramid Skylights—With a sleek, geometric design, pyramid skylights add a modern touch to office buildings and retail stores while maximizing light distribution.
- Dome Skylights—Often used in industrial buildings, dome skylights provide a broad, even spread of daylight and are incredibly durable.
- Flat Glass Skylights—A versatile option for office spaces and showrooms, flat glass skylights offer a clean, contemporary look and high-performance glazing options.
- Tubular Skylights—These compact skylights are designed for smaller spaces and interior rooms. They channel daylight through reflective tubes to brighten areas without direct roof access.
Each type of skylight can be customized with different materials, coatings, and ventilation options to suit specific business needs.
Considerations When Installing Custom Skylights
When integrating skylights into commercial buildings, several factors must be considered to ensure long-term performance and durability.
- Structural Integrity—The building’s roof must support the skylight installation without compromising stability. Engineers and architects should assess the load-bearing capacity before installation.
- Climate Considerations – Skylights should be designed to withstand local weather conditions. In warmer regions, UV-protective glazing helps prevent overheating, while insulated skylights reduce heat loss in colder climates.
- Waterproofing & Drainage – Proper sealing and drainage systems are essential to prevent leaks and moisture buildup. High-quality flashing and regular inspections help maintain watertight integrity.
- Glare & Heat Control—Depending on the skylight’s placement, Shading options such as tinted glass or motorized blinds can help manage light levels and indoor temperatures.
- Maintenance Requirements – Skylights require periodic cleaning and inspection to remove debris and ensure optimal performance. Choosing self-cleaning glass or easy-access designs simplifies maintenance efforts.
Considering these factors ensures that custom skylights enhance commercial spaces without compromising structural integrity or energy efficiency.
Work with Experts to Design Your Custom Skylight Solution
Custom skylights from Northern Skylights can transform commercial buildings by bringing in natural light, improving energy efficiency, and creating welcoming spaces for employees and customers. Proper design and installation are key to unlocking these benefits.
Our experienced team ensures your skylight solution is tailored to your building’s unique needs. From selecting the right materials to addressing structural considerations, we provide expert guidance for durable, functional, and visually appealing skylight installations.
Considering custom skylights for your commercial space? Contact Northern Skylights at (847) 439-7049 to ensure a seamless design and installation process. Invest in natural lighting solutions that enhance your business while promoting sustainability, efficiency, and well-being.
About The Author
Eric Martinson
Eric Martinson is the president of Northern Glass, Inc. and N Skylights, Inc., which are leaders in commercial glazing and skylight innovation. Since founding Northern Glass in 2002, Eric has grown the company into a trusted curtain wall, storefront, and interior glazing contractor serving the Chicago and Northern Indiana regions. His newest venture, N Skylights, expands his commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and customer service in the skylight industry.
