Kingspan Light + Air

BACKGROUND: The IKEA store in Porto opened to the public in 2007 and was, at the time, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, quickly becoming a landmark in the portuguese historic furniture market. This store would later become the first in the country to be equipped with Solatube daylighting systems, further enhancing its energy efficiency and forward thinking philosophy in terms of sustainability and environmental responsibility.CHALLENGE: The project for the introduction of Solatube in this store began in 2012, 5 years after its opening therefore offering an array of challenges. As the store was already in full operation the layout of the units had to navigate existing infrastructures and the installation work had to be done after-hours to limit the disruption to clients.SOLUTION: After a thorough study the choice was for the use of 101 330DS Solatube units with a length of roughly 3,00m. This extension allowed for a efficient light spread on the floor while still allowing for the handling and reach of top shelf levels in the warehouse. In order to implement the Solatube solution and minimize impact to the store’s operation, work had to be organized afterhours, posing a distinct challenge for the installers. RESULTS: In tandem with the extensive photovoltaic installation in this store, the IKEA store in Matosinhos became a benchmark in sustainability and paved the way for further projects both nationally and internationally inside the IKEA group. The implementation of the Solatube units also extended to the office and conference spaces allowing for a more productive environment for everyone at the store, from the clients to the employees.

Within an educational environment, natural light creates a comfortable space which can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of students and staff. When the existing bitumen roof at East Preston Infant School came to the end of its service life, naturally the decision was made to replace the existing roof and upgrade the rooflights. Kingspan Light + Air introduced 23 Kingspan Classic Skylight Domes into the building enabling the school to embrace natural light, ventilation and smoke management performance benefits.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire is recognised across the globe for its innovative research across a number of scientific fields. The lab employs over 1600 scientists and, as its work has developed, it became clear there was a need for a new, flexible space for testing the latest equipment. Oxford Architects created an iconic, curved design for the R105 Facilities Support Building and, in a break from the standard metal-clad facades of the surrounding buildings, specified a colourful façade using Kingspan Day-Lite Klick wall lights.

When proposing the architectural design, one challenge for Nickel 28 was how best to implement effective lighting into the large warehouse facility. Aiming to limit reliance on electric and artificial lighting in an effort to reduce energy consumption, daylighting solutions became a key consideration. Kingspan Light + Air, understanding the needs of the client, delivered a bespoke solution that satisfied the specific needs of the warehouse facility by helping to maximise on natural lighting. Implementing the Kingspan Day-Lite Kick wall light system horizontally across the loading bays in the warehouse enabled the facility to maximise on natural light without glare.

Saudi Industrial Projects Company (SIPCO) makes, sells, and distributes some of the world’s most recognized consumer brands. It is the responsible Pepsi manufacturer and distributor in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Jeddah distribution center is the largest PEPSICO Warehouse in the country with an area of more than 12,000 sqm. PEPSICO affiliated companies have installed Solatube® Daylighting Systems globally and is considered one of their main solutions towards green operationsOBJECTIVE: Lack of natural light forced the use of artificial lighting system that incur operational and maintenance cost. The installed 400W Metal Halide lamps, are operated at half strength to reduce power usage and heat build-up causing lower illumination levels. SIPCO installed Solatube® Daylighting Systems to meet the required illumination standards and subsequently dramatically reduce electricity consumption for lighting. Lack of natural light forced the use of artificial lighting system that incur operational and maintenance cost. The installed 400W Metal Halide lamps, are operated at half strength to reduce power usage and heat build-up causing lower illumination levels. SIPCO installed Solatube® Daylighting Systems to meet the required illumination standards and subsequently dramatically reduce electricity consumption for lighting.SOLUTION: The area under study was a high open ceiling distribution center where the new series of Solatube® SkyVault® was a perfect solution. M74 DS-O were installed to achieve an average of 200 lux throughout the year. It is calculated that the installed units result in a savings of 648,240 KWH/year. After one month, the actual difference of SAR 17,011 ($4530 USD) was observed in the electrical bill after installation of the recommended system. The reduction of heat dissipated by artificial lights has been tested using thermography camera and noted as an added benefit of the installation (image to the right). The impact of natural light in daily work activity is proudly welcomed by the workers. Management is satisfied by the results as it exceeds expectations and similar projects are currently under study for different locations. PRODUCTS USED: • 185 Solatube® M74 DS-0 units (29 in/740 mm Daylighting System) TESTIMONIAL: “After successfully piloting the technology in SIPCO-1 CO2 plant one of our manufacturing facility, we looked on to our biggest distribution center as the best site for application. We installed Solatube® Daylighting Systems as one of our biggest projects in relation to green operations and have found the technology to provide us instant results and satisfaction. The resulting savings and invaluable benefits of daylight to our employees bring us a consistent sense of accomplishment.”

ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company. Guided by the principles to produce safe, sustainable steel, ArcelorMittal is the largest provider of quality steel products in all major markets e.g. automotive industry, construction, household appliances and packaging. The Steelworks in Dabrowa Górnicza is the biggest facility of its kind in Poland. ArcelorMittal is looking for new technologies that improve the quality of the work conditions for their employees, as well as care for the natural environment.OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the project was to illuminate the workplace for cranes that carry semi-finished products for further processing. The subject of the project consisted of two separate halls: -The first hall with dimensions of 36 m width, 160 m length and 22 m height; the target was to improve the illumination of the space and achieve the average luminance of 100 lux. -The second hall with dimensions of 30 m width, 72 m length and 22 m height - the target was to improve the illumination of the space and achieve the average luminance of 200 lux. An additional challenge to overcome was to install the systems from the top of the roof without interfering with the production process since ladders and other equipment were not permissible. SOLUTION: To meet all the project requirements, the Solatube SkyVault® M74 DS with the Amplifier was proposed. The Amplifier was installed to focus the light on the task plane due to the large heights of the installation. To adapt the system to the roof, customized flashings were prepared, on which Solatube M74 DS was installed. The most serious challenge was to install the system only from the upper side of the roof. To minimize disruption, the Diffuser, Amplifier and Extension Tube were assembled from inside the building. Afterwards, the assembly was hoisted up on a specially prepared net through penetration in the roof. Once the SkyVault with Amplifier was hoisted through the roof penetration, it was assembled with flashing and installed on the roof.PRODUCTS USED: • 35 Solatube SkyVault® M-74 DS with Amplifier units TESTIMONIAL: After the installation, measurements of light intensity were made, and it was determined that all requirements were met. Moreover, ArcelorMittal appreciated the positive influence of daylight on improving the working conditions. “This technology innovation is a revolution in the Polish market. We did not expect that it would be possible to install this kind of object on the roof without interrupting the production process.”

BACKGROUND: The 74,843-square-foot Student Pavilion is situated at the nexus of student activity on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University (ASU). The building, which was designed to be a Net Zero Energy building, delivers green qualities including renewable energy, energy-efficiency and zero waste to showcase of the university’s goals for Climate Net Neutrality and sustainable building systems. SOLUTION: In order to properly daylight the 21,000-square-foot space on each level and meet design goals, Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio utilized the Solatube SolaMaster Series 330 and 750 DS-C units. To ensure a consistent amount of daylight, the design team used Solatube’s proprietary Design Calculator to determine the number of units needed on each level and the amount of light that the Solatube Daylighting Systems would bring into the spaces. Thermal insulation panels were also added to limit the amount of heat transfer into the building from the roof, and extension turrets were used to raise the outer domes and limit the amount of shade cast upon the devices. 

BACKGROUND: The 400-year-old Rogaška Medical Centre in Slovenia is one of the leading private health facilities in the country. The state-ofthe-art rehabilitation center specializes in treating patients with chronic gastroenterological, metabolic, managerial and other diseases. All treatment solutions administered at the facility are used through natural medicine to heal the health, body and spirit. In an effort to stay up-to-date with the healthiest and most effective solutions to provide both employees and patients with physically, mentally and soulfully positive resources, the investor of the facility decided incorporating natural daylight to the 12th floor of the building would be beneficial for patients, staff and physiotherapeutic treatments.CHALLENGE: One of the most significant challenges with the investor’s idea was how to successfully provide substantial natural daylight without delivering heat-carrying infrared rays to the clinic to meet rigorous building requirements, including meeting particular levels of temperature and humidity.SOLUTION: To ensure a proper amount of daylight, Solatube’s long-term Slovenia distribution partner, Keber, used the Solatube proprietary Design Calculator to determine the number of units needed and the amount of light that the Solatube Daylighting Systems would bring into the space. Fourteen Solatube Brighten Up 290 DS units were used to capture daylight at the rooftop and transfer natural daylight deep into the facilities 12th floor — on both sunny and cloudy days. Additionally, five Solatube SolaMaster 750 DS units fitted with Daylight Dimmers were added to patient rooms. These systems allow for complete comfort and control of the amount of natural daylight entering the space with a simple wall-mounted switch.RESULTS: With the consistent daylight provided by the Solatube Daylighting Systems, the Rogaška Medical Centre was able to achieve desired natural daylight levels on the 12th floor with minimal heat transfer and create a healthy indoor environment that maximizes patient and staff health and wellbeing. Thrilled with the results, the investor and staff of the facility look forward to harnessing the power of the sun and providing their patients with many benefits of natural daylight. “Searching for better work conditions for medical personnel, who daily work in the areas with no daylight, but need to be focused on their medical work, we found Solatube Daylighting Systems as the best solution and key benefit. With daylight in work spaces, which has high impact also on well-being, we are addressing both employees and patients, who visit Rogaška Medical Center from all over the world.” - Miloš Musulin, B. Arch.

Kingspan Light + Air worked on project jewel at Changi International Airport in Singapore. One of the most innovative project features is the distinctive dome-shaped facade, made entirely of glass and steel. Our team worked with the architects and project team to specify and install over 100 Lumera ventilation windows. The Lumera ventilation windows also operate as an integral element of a wider Smoke and Heat Exhaust Vent (SHEV) system.

BACKGROUND: The family’s home in Greater Manchester had always felt a bit dark inside— especially the living room and bathrooms, where there wasn’t much natural light. Like many families, they were looking for a way to brighten things up and make the space more comfortable and usable, without having to do a full renovation. The living room, despite being central to daily life, felt dim during the day— even with the lights on. The bathroom also lacked ventilation, leading to moisture buildup and mold. The homeowners wanted to address both issues without compromising their home’s structure, design, or budget. CHALLENGE: The home’s family room, despite being central to daily life, felt dim during the day—even with electric lights on. The bathroom also lacked ventilation, leading to moisture buildup. The homeowners wanted to address both issues without compromising their home’s structure, design, or budget. SOLUTION: Solatube’s Brighten Up® Series was selected to solve both the daylighting and ventilation challenges. A Solatube certified installer added a tubular daylighting system to the family room, bringing in an abundance of natural light. To create a more flexible living space, the unit was fitted with a Daylight Dimmer, giving the family control over brightness for movie nights and relaxing evenings.In the bathroom, a Solatube unit with an integrated ventilation add-on provided daylight and moisture control in one elegant solution— eliminating the need for a separate exhaust fan and improving indoor air quality. INSTALLATION PROCESS: The entire installation process was fast, clean, and minimally disruptive. Unlike traditional skylights that can take days to install and may require significant structural changes, the Solatube systems were installed in just a few hours—with no need for drywall, painting, or patching. The pre-engineered components fit seamlessly into the roof and ceiling, allowing the certified technician to complete both the daylighting and ventilation upgrades in a single day. RESULTS: The transformation was immediate. The family room now glows with daylight, creating a warm and inviting space ideal for reading, entertaining, or spending time together. The dimmer gives them the ability to adjust light levels with ease, adding a touch of luxury to everyday moments. In the bathroom, the combination of daylight and ventilation enhanced comfort and functionality, removing moisture effectively while also eliminating the harsh glare of artificial lights. This project demonstrates how Solatube’s innovative solutions deliver more than light—they enhance wellness, energy efficiency, and everyday living

BACKGROUND: The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in Dundee, Scotland, was built in 2015 at Craig Harbour right on the banks of the River Tay, reconnecting the city with its beautiful and historic riverside. As the first-ever dedicated design museum in Scotland and the only other V&A museum anywhere in the world outside London, V&A Dundee provides a place of inspiration, discovery and learning through its mission to enrich lives through design.CHALLENGE: One of the most significant challenges encountered with V&A Dundee’s ground-breaking design was how to deliver natural light to the main lobby: a double-height space with uncommon angular wall areas and small, horizontal, slot-like windows partly screened by the precast panels. In addition, the design required that the Solatube Daylighting Systems create the impression of “floating” between the roof and an open mesh layer below the roof.SOLUTION: Senior lighting designers from ARUP and Matthew Rice at Solatube Scotland worked together to design the daylighting in the main area of the museum. 60 330 DS-O Solatube Daylighting Systems were used to enrich the building with natural light, allowing visitors to appreciate the changing weather conditions outside, and to balance natural light with the artificial lighting in the central areas. To achieve the “floating” look, the 2.5 metre-long reflective extension tubes used to pipe in the daylight were externally laminated in a specified shade of grey to match the underside of the roof structure, thus making the tubing virtually invisible, so the daylight appeared to come from “hovering” diffusers several metres below the roof. Solatube Daylight Dimmers were also fitted to each Solatube system to allow for complete control of daylighting for different exhibitions and full integration with V&A Dundee’s artificial lighting system. RESULTS: “One of the areas that needed good levels of natural light is the main double height foyer,” said Laura Phillips, associate director, Lighting ARUP. “A series of Solatube Daylighting Systems allows everyone to enjoy the benefits of the natural light coming in from above.” “It’s one of the spaces that people will really be encouraged to spend time in and to shop and enjoy the cafes while enjoying the quality daylighting from the Solatube systems,” added Phillips. An international center of design, V&A Dundee now offers a welcoming and inspiring naturally lit space for everyone to visit, enjoy and socialize in.