Skylights in Executive Suites or Hallways – Where Do They Fare Better?

Skylights have a way of tackling the sick building syndrome, no matter where they are installed. However, in commercial settings, finding the best place for it may not be as straightforward as it seems. Apart from the budgetary constraints, a major consideration with skylights is that they are a major improvement to a building's aesthetics. But for whom does the aesthetic need to be improved?

This depends on the type of business. Some focus on improving executive suites or offices, as this is where most of the magic happens. From customer meetings to important business decisions, everything is done here. So naturally, in such businesses, it is important to have natural light here.

However, in businesses that cater more towards walk-in customers, keeping employees and customers elevated is a major concern. For example, in banks and hospitals, studies have shown that patient results vary based on how well the building is lit and designed. Hospitals with skylights in their hallways and rooms have actually reported better patient satisfaction altogether.

This doesn't mean, however, that hospital executives don't need skylights, or that it is more important for business executives to have a skylight than its staff. In this article, we will take a closer look at the effects that skylights have in different settings, and whether where they fare better in your case.

Advantages of Hallway Skylights

There are several advantages of installing a skylight in the hallway. In essence, it means that the design improvement reflects on the entire building, instead of just the executive suite or a specific part of the building.

Hallway skylights are usually much larger and more sophisticated than suite skylights. While this means improved aesthetics for the entire building, it also means that the skylight needs to be much more robust. Compared to traditional skylights, solid-state skylights are known to be much more resilient here.

Some key benefits of hallway skylights include:

1. Broad Aesthetic Improvement: Hallways are often neglected spaces when it comes to design and aesthetics. Skylights inject a sense of openness and beauty, transforming an otherwise dull and confined area into an inviting passage. This natural light streams through the entire building, highlighting architectural details and décor of the surroundings as well.
2. Space Perception: Hallways, especially in commercial settings, can feel cramped and confined. Skylights create an illusion of expanded space by introducing natural light from above. This spatial enhancement contributes to a more comfortable and welcoming environment for occupants and visitors.
3. Daylight Harvesting: Skylights efficiently utilize daylight, a sustainable and cost-effective lighting source. By harnessing natural sunlight, hallway skylights reduce the dependency on artificial lighting during daylight hours. This not only saves on energy costs but also aligns with sustainable building practices, making it an eco-friendly choice. Hallways make room for larger skylights, which in turn mean more daylight harvesting and more energy savings.
4. Positive Impact on Well-being: Exposure to natural light has a proven positive impact on human well-being. Hallway skylights contribute to more light, leading to a healthier indoor environment by providing access to sunlight. This has directly been linked to improved mood, increased productivity, and enhanced overall satisfaction among building occupants.
5. Workforce Improvement: Installing hallway skylights is a cost-effective solution for introducing natural light into spaces and improving the staff's productivity. Compared to executive suites, where they would only improve some individuals' performance, hallway skylights have a way of improving executive performance as well.
6. Enhanced Social Interaction and Communication: Hallway skylights can act as natural focal points within commercial settings, drawing individuals to shared spaces. This unintentional gathering can lead to impromptu interactions, informal discussions, and a sense of community among individuals passing through the hallway. In essence, it leads to a stronger grapevine and collaboration.

Each of these advantages contributes to the overall appeal and functionality of hallway skylights in commercial settings, making them a valuable investment for businesses looking to enhance both the aesthetic and practical aspects of their properties.

However, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind as well.

Disadvantages of Hallway Skylights:

1. Limited Privacy Control: Unlike executive suites, hallways are communal spaces where numerous individuals traverse throughout the day. Skylights in hallways may compromise privacy, especially in settings where sensitive discussions or activities take place.
2. Potential Glare Issues: Hallways with skylights are larger and therefore may be susceptible to glare. Glare can be disruptive to individuals navigating the hallway and may impact visual comfort. Smart skylights can be a solution to this issue, though.
3. Dependency on Exterior Conditions: Hallway skylights are contingent on external weather conditions for optimal functionality. Overcast days or periods of inclement weather might result in reduced natural light penetration, affecting the consistent illumination of not just the hallway, but the entire building. Executive suites, having smaller skylights, may be less susceptible to variations in external conditions.
4. Challenges in Maintaining Aesthetic Consistency: While hallway skylights contribute to an overall aesthetic enhancement, maintaining consistent aesthetics throughout the entire hallway can be challenging. The placement and design of skylights may vary based on architectural constraints, potentially leading to visual inconsistencies, especially in long hallways.
5. Installation Complexity: Installing skylights in hallways may involve navigating through complex structural configurations, especially in multi-story buildings. Accessing the roof for installation and ensuring proper alignment with the hallway's layout can pose challenges. Executive suites, being more self-contained, may have simpler installation processes.
6. Nighttime Illumination Concerns: Hallway skylights are reliant on natural daylight, which means their impact diminishes after sunset. Unlike executive suites where supplementary artificial lighting can be strategically placed, hallways might experience diminished illumination during nighttime hours, potentially affecting safety and security perceptions.

Based on this comparison, let's take a look at the executive side as well.

Executive Suite Skylights Pros & Cons

Skylights in executive suites provide targeted aesthetic improvement, creating a visually appealing and well-lit environment specifically tailored for executive-level activities. This ensures a sophisticated and pleasant ambiance within the suite.

This means increased natural light for key spaces and a much more customized appearance for the entire place. They also highlight the architectural elements, artworks, and features that are usually limited to executive suites only.

On the other hand, the aesthetic improvement provided by executive suite skylights is confined to the specific suite, lacking the broader impact that hallway skylights can have on the entire building. This limits the cohesive visual enhancement of the entire property.

Furthermore, executive skylights need to be smart and luxurious, which may end up costing more compared to adding a larger skylight in the hallway. This may also lead to inconsistency in the building design, especially in buildings with multiple executive suites. Having the same design across all executive spaces can be challenging.

Another key disadvantage of executive suite skylights is that it may lead to increased energy consumption for artificial lighting during overcast days or evenings. Unlike hallway skylights, which benefit from a more constant daylight source, executive suites may experience fluctuations in natural light availability.

Considering these benefits and disadvantages, commercial property owners must carefully evaluate the specific requirements and functions of executive suites and hallways to determine the most suitable skylight installations for each area within the building

So, Which To Choose?

Choosing between hallway skylights and executive suite skylights depends on the nature of the business and the specific needs of the space. For businesses focused on walk-in customers, such as banks and hospitals, hallway skylights can significantly elevate the experience for both employees and customers.

On the other hand, businesses with a greater emphasis on executive spaces may find executive suite skylights more tailored to their requirements.

Irrespective of the chosen location, the strength, durability, and longevity of skylights are paramount. Commercial properties require skylights that can withstand the test of time, ensuring minimal maintenance and optimal performance.

VTECH's solid-state skylights are known to be the toughest skylights in the world. This is not only because of the materials and technology we use but also how we manufacture it. To learn more about how we can manufacture the perfect skylight for you regardless of where you choose to integrate it and the design you choose, VTECH Skylights is here to help. Call us today to learn more or a quote on your project!