LIGHT RE-DIRECTING ZENITH AWNING (LRA)
Fixed redirecting systems work particularly well when the light to be redirected comes from one particular direction. The system illustrated here redirects light coming from above (from the zenith) over the ceiling of a room.
Fig. 1. Heritage style light re-directing awning (LRA). Fig. 2. Typical application of a LRA on a window between two high buildings.
Inner city residences are often two or three level buildings on small building sites. These situations, Fig 2, present a challenge to the architect to naturally illuminate the lower level rooms in the residence. Similar problems occur in narrow atriums and alleyways. The available light at the window comes mainly from directly above. However, almost none of this available light enters through conventional vertical glazing. A light redirecting awning (LRA) may be placed over the window to intercept light from above and redirect nearly all of this light in through the window and over the ceiling in the room. Provided the ceiling is finished in white or similar light colour most of this light is reflected down as diffuse natural lighting to the interior. Many older residences suffer the problem of poorly illuminated rooms. The LRA provides an optimum solution and can, as illustrated in Fig 1 above, be manufactured to reflect a range of heritage or modern styles. An additional advantage is that the awning provides visual screening from nearby buildings.