Skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting, while improving the overall atmosphere by allowing sunlight to fill the interior spaces
Lindenhof Primary School, located in Stahnsdorf, Germany, has become a modern educational facility designed for up to 720 students. The school blends cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly features, including energy-efficient heating powered by waste heat from the nearby Stahnsdorf sewage treatment plant. In this innovative design, the Modular Skylights from VELUX Commercial not only ensure bright rooms but also provide smoke and heat extraction required by law. Lindenhof's new design offers a perfect case study for owners looking to combine sustainability with operational efficiency.
Modular Skylights for energy efficiency and safety
The building’s layout consists of two interlocking rectangular buildings with a distinctive façade featuring panels in seven different colours. The Modular Skylights, installed in classrooms, staircases, and corridors, include both fixed and venting modules. The modular design allows for flexibility and efficiency, with a 5° pitch, the skylights vary in size, ranging from 900 mm in width and 1400-2400 mm in height.
The incorporation of venting modules for smoke and heat extract ventilation (SHEV) represents a critical safety feature that protects both the physical building and, more importantly, its young occupants. In the event of a fire, these systems quickly remove dangerous smoke and heat, creating safer evacuation routes and providing valuable time for emergency response.
The triple-glazed units ensure optimal thermal performance, keeping the building comfortable year-round, while integrated sun protection prevents solar heat gain during the summer months, maintaining a cool interior and reducing the need for air conditioning.
Advantages of skylights in a learning environment
The school’s design focuses on creating a comfortable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible space for both students and staff. By providing natural light and enabling smoke ventilation, skylights help create a safe, energy-efficient, and productive learning environment.