Daylight; a natural source of energy for people and buildings

Solarlux is synonymous with "sunlight. "As an organization, we stand for the most efficient use of daylight, in its most essential form," said Consultant Architect Jan Jaap Hofstra. "Because we simply cannot do without it. A good portion of daylight makes a positive contribution to our well-being, mood and biorhythm and is a precious commodity, which we must use wisely. Especially when we look at the built environment and the extent to which people are increasingly indoors."

For almost 40 years, Solarlux has been the specialist in the field of flexible glass wall solutions that guarantee generous openings, maximum transparency and a smooth transition between inside and outside. Started in 1983 with the glass folding wall, the product range now includes conservatories, garden rooms and balcony glazing that are continuously innovated and tested, with an eye for technical details, design and optimal living comfort. In recent years, Solarlux's efforts have led to numerous innovative products, such as cero. This minimalist sliding system already guarantees 98% of glass surface and transparency, but will soon have even slimmer widths. But also innovations such as Megaline, a glass folding wall system that allows even wider (up to 1,500 mm) and higher (up to 4,500 mm) sash sizes, up to a maximum of 4 m², are throwing high points in the market.

Building block of modern architecture

That Solarlux's innovations do not go unnoticed proves telling projects such as Valley in Amsterdam, Floating Office Rotterdam, Booking.com's City Campus in Amsterdam and The George in Amsterdam, which take maximum advantage of natural daylighting. "Daylight forms one of the most important building blocks of modern architecture," Hofstra emphasizes. "In the context of sustainable construction, buildings are becoming increasingly open and transparent. Passive solar energy is used more and more and Solarlux has the perfect products for this. Our glass façade solutions create maximum daylighting and generous opening possibilities, which promote natural ventilation. We literally let buildings breathe. Because no two projects are alike, we always deliver custom solutions. Building Valley - in which no facade is the same - is an excellent calling card for this." 

Dutch Daylight

With daylight coming in, glare and excessive heat load are lurking. To overcome this and to meet the TOjuli requirements (BENG), Solarlux likes to work with architects and other stakeholders to find the right balance, says Hofstra. "A great initiative for this is our participation in the Dutch Daylight foundation. Together with this foundation, we want to make a fist towards the market, emphasize the importance of daylight and motivate architects to realize healthy buildings. An important incentive in this context is the Dutch Daylight Award for the most prestigious daylight building in the Netherlands."

Turnkey solution for (deaf) facades

A nice novelty to match this is the SL Modular balcony glazing with Alara-Lukagro sound grid. "SL Modular involves a balustrade with a turn-and-slide system on top, which can be slid into the façade turnkey," Hofstra said. "Whereas the balcony glazing provides maximum daylighting and transparency, the sound grille provides guaranteed, permanent ventilation. In doing so, we offer an answer to all the challenges currently facing inner-city areas. Both with regard to daylight access, ventilation and noise. With the system, we can also excellently serve the demand for deaf facades."