This community library project in Germany is flooded with light from its electric roof windows by Velux Group. The main room features moveable bookshelves placed under both volumes. There is extensive glazing behind the wooden façade on the north side, but the source of daylight in the space is the two rows of GGL Integra roof windows, located on the east side, on the very top of both roofs.
Twelve Velux window elements were used on each roof. This was a cheaper and more effective solution than developing a custom-made strip roof window since there was a wide selection of Velux windows to choose from meaning the proportions of the roof opening didn't need to be changed. The roof surface is lightened by the strip on the windows which serves to optically enlarge the room.
Plenty of light during the day and protection from low rays of sunshine in the evening is created by the east exposure of the openings. The blinds are solar-powered and can be completely blacked out, which can be crucial for some activities, like film screenings.
Project Data
| Product | GGL Integra |
| Year of Completion | 2020 |
| Architects | Stefan Schlicht and Christoph Lamprecht, Schlicht Lamprecht Architekten, Schweinfurt |
Design Characteristics
The open-plan design of the project was achieved by placing all of the crucial functions on one floor which enabled barrier-free access for everyone. The architects worked closely with the local library association; this communication provided very detailed feedback which turned out to be incredibly important for the development of the mobile bookshelves.
The architects have been working with roof windows and gable roofs for many years now - they have also participated in another project, which won the Velux award. For them, a roof window was proven to be more efficient at bringing light into rooms than a façade window of the same size. The light is brighter when it is reflected on the ceiling and wall surfaces, which is why they prefer to position the openings closer to the roof gable.
