What's New

View | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

JUNE 05 - SHED LIGHT IN DARK ROOMS

An innovative new means of optimising natural daylight into dark areas, which can be easily fitted onto any pitched or flat roof covering and which requires no electrical connection, has been developed by Glidevale Ltd (stand no 497, Hall Q).

Sunscoop comprises a discreet glazed dome which is fitted on the roof, catching daylight and reflecting it down a silvered tube through the ceiling into the room below. The Glidevale Sunscoop is available with a new super reflective material which coats the aluminium tubes and elbows, Called SR98 Mirror, it posses 98% specular reflectance and adds to the range alongside the standard SR95 (95% specular reflectance). Both provide a softer, more natural light against the harsh blues and greys produced by some aluminium tubes. The systems also include an “LSD” (low sun deflector) directly under the hemispherical dome to capture direct sunlight that would otherwise go over the top of the system. This can increase the light output at the diffuser by some 20%.

Available in single and double glazed versions, both options feature a polycarbonate dome, offering impact resistance up to 200 times that of glass, and an AA fire rating enabling unrestricted use. A wide range of roof interface flashings have been purpose-designed to fit properly into traditional British roof coverings to ensure a correct and weathertight fitting. Flashings have been driving rain tested and are manufactured from fire retardant ABS in a choice of five UV stable colours.

Available in 250mm, 350mm and 530mm diameter, with a range of purpose designed roof flashings to ensure correct and weathertight fitting, Sunscoop includes adjustable elbows to further optimise system flexibility and adjustability, enabling the system to be used in rooms that are not directly below the roof space. Glidevale has also developed the “Skyview” diffuser for all sizes, to substantially improve the spread of light into the room, by means of fresnel lens technology.

Nick Beswick, Glidevale director of sales, observes, “The industry acknowledges the importance of natural daylight, and that rooflights allow up to three times more natural daylight into a building than vertical glazing. Sunscoop helps specifiers utilise natural daylight in locations where it would otherwise be difficult- in corridors, on landings, or rooms where there is no potential for traditional windows.”

The system is already proven in a number of housing projects. For example, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has used Sunscoops in a replacement housing scheme, to provide a natural light source in the bathrooms. Salford First Housing Association has similarly used them in a special needs housing project in Seedley, and Blaby District Council has used Sunscoops to naturally light corridors in the refurbishment of a sheltered scheme.

Back >