Sunsquare’s Skylight Solutions Advance Sustainable Living in Leeds
Leeds is home to a forward-thinking urban regeneration project that is setting new standards for sustainable development. The Climate Innovation District, developed by Citu, is transforming a previously industrial site into an eco-conscious urban area, designed with sustainability at its core.
Project Overview
- 516 energy-efficient homes
- Inspired by Scandinavian urban planning
- Near Passivhaus standard using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP)
- Designed to be a walkable, integrated community
Cutting-Edge Urban Design
The Climate Innovation District introduces a new approach to urban design, blending residential spaces with necessary infrastructure. The development incorporates healthcare, education facilities, and an on-site production facility, all within a compact, walkable community.
The design promotes active transport, with an emphasis on pedestrian pathways and dedicated cycling routes. These features not only encourage healthier lifestyles but also reduce the district’s carbon footprint. The inclusion of green spaces further supports environmental goals by improving air quality and fostering a sense of community among residents.
Central to the district’s sustainability efforts is the Citu Works facility, which has the capacity to produce up to 750 low-carbon homes annually. By manufacturing locally, the project reduces transport-related emissions and ensures that stringent quality control is maintained throughout construction.
The district also employs digital innovations such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to enhance the efficiency of construction processes and reduce material waste. After moving in, residents benefit from a custom energy management app, giving them greater control over their energy consumption.
Sunsquare’s Role in Enhancing Daylighting and Ventilation
In this development, Sunsquare has played a key role by providing advanced skylight solutions that improve both natural lighting and ventilation. The company collaborated with Surespan to deliver high-performance products that align with the project’s sustainability goals.
Product Feature: Aero Electric Roof Access Rooflights
At the centre of Sunsquare’s contribution is the Aero Access Rooflight, a product designed to meet the specific needs of the Climate Innovation District. These custom skylights, measuring 3050 x 851mm, exemplify Sunsquare’s ability to create tailored solutions without compromising on quality or performance.
The rooflight features a multi-layered insulated glazing unit (IGU) with an outer pane coated in SN70/35, designed to optimise both solar heat gain and visible light transmission. This ensures ample natural light while preventing excessive heat buildup, contributing to a stable indoor environment.
The rooflight’s thermal efficiency is enhanced by an argon-filled cavity and warm edge spacer technology, reducing heat transfer and limiting the risk of condensation around the glass edges. These details are crucial for achieving the project’s near Passivhaus standards.
Performance and Environmental Benefits
The integration of Sunsquare’s rooflights within the Climate Innovation District brings a range of measurable advantages:
- Optimised Daylighting: With a high visible light transmission rate, the rooflights reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Initial estimates suggest potential energy savings of up to 20% in lighting costs for top-floor apartments.
- Thermal Control: The rooflights’ solar control coating manages solar heat gain, minimising cooling needs in the summer and retaining heat during winter.
- Natural Ventilation: An electric opening mechanism allows for controlled ventilation, enabling natural cooling during night-time and reducing the demand on mechanical ventilation systems.
- Occupant Well-being: Studies have linked access to daylight and fresh air to improved circadian rhythms and greater overall satisfaction for residents.
- Environmental Impact: By supporting passive building strategies, the rooflights help reduce the operational carbon footprint of each home.
A New Standard for Sustainable Urban Living
Sunsquare’s involvement in the Climate Innovation District highlights its ability to deliver customised, high-performance daylighting solutions for sustainable urban projects. The Aero Electric Roof Access Rooflight, with its cutting-edge design and technical capabilities, underscores Sunsquare’s leadership in the skylight industry.
This project illustrates the value of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction. The partnership between Sunsquare and Surespan has produced a solution that not only meets but exceeds the rigorous performance standards set by the development.
As the construction industry continues to face the challenges of climate change, projects like the Climate Innovation District—along with products such as Sunsquare’s Aero Electric Rooflights—demonstrate the potential for creating sustainable, high-quality urban environments. Sunsquare remains committed to innovation in skylight design, continually evolving its offerings to meet the needs of energy-efficient architecture.
