Utilizing natural daylight/zenithal light for a modern and flexible workspace
The Baumit office building in Trzin renovated in 2023 by Studio.a+v architectural firm provides working stations and meeting rooms for more than 30 people, while occasionally serving as a showroom for new product launches or meetings with contractors. The client's wish was to transform the existing commercial and industrial building from the mid-1980s into a modern office building. It was necessary to identify the building's qualities and limitations, and then transform it into a space that provides a high-quality work environment for employees and at the same time align with the investor's sustainability goals.
“We are located on the edge of the industrial zone, one of the key guidelines in building design, as the zone ends with a forest, allowing us to create views to the outside, to the forest, nature, and to connect the interior and exterior spaces” – says architect Anže Koren.
When it comes to interior design, the focus was on the well-being and needs of employees, recognizing the profound impact that the workspace environment has on their productivity and health. Indoor well-being conditions are defined by various factors, such as temperature, air quality, acoustics, and lighting, all of which contribute to creating a comfortable and efficient workplace. For this reason, one of the most significant elements in the office design was the incorporation of natural daylight.
“We are in the central space, which has a clear orientation from north to south. We decided to use zenithal light due to the depth of the space, which comes from important »fifth façade «, the roof” – the architect explains.
Although nowadays it’s more and more common to install technological devices on rooftops, the roof serves as a powerful source of natural light, especially in buildings with deeper floor plans. For this reason, installing flat roof windows was a great solution, which can provide up to three times more daylight than façade windows of the same size. They significantly enhance the interior environment, contributing to a brighter and well-lit space. Moreover, with the electrically controlled flat roof windows the building not only has plenty of daylight, but it is also naturally ventilated and can be cooled down during the nighttime.
While having natural light is beneficial, it’s equally important to be able to control it coming in, especially in an office setting. “All openings, including flat roof windows and the façade windows are equipped with external blinds. These allow us to control the intensity of light entering the interior, and consequently the temperature and atmosphere of the space” – says Koren, adding that at zenithal lighting it is very important to distinguish between indirect and direct illumination.
With this renovation, the new design is closely aligned with the client's work processes and needs, creating a bright and spacious workplace that fosters both productivity and comfort.
