Elegant rows of modular skylights provide a forward-thinking college with daylight

At Exeter College in Devon, UK,modular skylightshave been installed above an existing steel infrastructure as part of an extension project that connects old and new buildings.

Elegant, slim beam skylights and steel pillars mirror one another in length, creating an awe-inspiring design aesthetic that is not only eye-catching, but considerate of building owners’ safety requirements.

Roof access for future maintenance played a central role in design planning, as did the need for the skylights to be elevated in a manner that maximises daylight exposure, across multifunctional college spaces.

Steven Strang, Director of Estates and Information Technology at Exeter College, says ”With building projects, sometimes the result doesn’t live up to what you have planned. This building design delivers exactly as the Daylight Visualizer 3D images predicted—we can now provide the people who come to our college with a wow factor.”

Simon Inch, Specifications Manager at VELUX Commercial, added: “There was great communication throughout the duration of this building project with the entire team. Working in a largely online environment went so well—it really was a pleasure to be a part of this project.”

Team collaboration and an innovative design tool

A motivation at the planning stage was to inspire learning through building design. The college wished to create a professional environment that motivates learning the moment students step into a central atrium full of daylight. But to achieve this goal and communicating largely online, contractor Willmott Dixon required a reliable and adaptable daylighting partner.

A prerequisite to success was ensuring strict project timeframes were met and there was minimal disruption to study. Willmott Dixon and VELUX Commercial in collaboration with AWW architects, utilized the VELUX Daylight Visualizer—a 3D digital tool that accurately calculates daylight levels and glare.

The VELUX Daylight Visualizer assisted decision makers in making efficient and informed daylighting decisions in accordance with cost, timing and the optimization of daylight.

Once 3D images were simulated and visualized, building owners specified 78 modular skylights, confident their project goal of a timely completion would be met. In eight weeks, two rows of skylights were manufactured and delivered onsite—it took two days for the fully prefabricated skylights to be installed.

A futuristic college hosts cultural events across multipurpose spaces

Ensuring this flagship campus could also host events played a role in the selection of an atrium daylighting solution. Events by Penguin publishers and the City Council have been held at the main entry point of the college. Student led events include readings and fashion shows in a multifunctional space that inspires young learners to achieve in academia and vocational studies.

如今，学生在一所鼓励人们花时间一起看书或只是享受彼此的陪伴的大学里茁壮成长。日光现在进入了休息区、教室、食堂和多功能入口空间，帮助传递了令人惊叹的因素。

Become a leader in daylighting design withVELUX Daylight Visualizerand create brighter, healthier buildings for everyone.