illume ‘skylight’ system - feedback?

5 years ago

Our builder is proposing we replace the in-plan solar tube skylights with the illume system. We can only put the opening for the tubes on the south slope of our house, and he thinks we won’t get much light coming thru also due to the new extension restricting light as well, so the illume system may be a better option (also much less hassle to install, I think).

But I am obsessed with natural light, and the thought of a giant led light vs natural light has me concerned. Anyone experienced both? Preference?

Also, does anyone know where I can view the illume -style light in action?

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

oklouise
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
obviously there's no comparison with true daylight but, where you can't have a true skylight, the Illume (and other brands of solar powered light) are excellent... we have one in an internal bathroom and two in a big south facing room to add some extra daytime brightness..they're much cheaper to buy and install and so much more flexible to position than anything that has to have a hole in the roof and ceiling and there're no loss of heat or risk of leaking...the other advantage is that the fibre optic cable that connects the internal "light" to the external solar panel is about 9 m long so the solar panels can be positioned on the sunny side of the roof ...only problem is that because they look like light fitttings you have to get used to the fact that you can't switch them off during the day although i believe that some of the Illume lights can include an electric light for nightime use (which might be better than multiple fixtures on the ceiling) ...they have several different and custom sizes and can also be installed vertically on a wall and could make a great feature above a door in a hallway or to create the look of highlight windows in an internal room....we're very happy with ours and will add some more
marie4509 thanked oklouise
marie4509
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi @oklouise - you seem super knowledgeable on the illume and I am struggling to find an answer to a question I have around light output.
We have a 2m* 3m butlers pantry . Will a 500x500 illume suffice (with night override ) suffice for the space?

One end of the room actually has a little deck, so I will have a downlight over that for task work as well. Do I need another downlight?

Thanks so much.
Related Discussions
Feedback on floorplan on a sloping block- Need help!
Q
Comments (27)
ddarroch Thanks for all the great suggestions. Pity indeed about the directions of the sun and view. Can't change the profile of the block only can try to work out the best based on what it is. Very valid points about the heating VS. clerestory windows. We are in the temperate climate region which keeping warm it’s an issue in winter. We have thought about to have low-e glass in the south facing side but looks like we probably need to have double glazing in places like the north facing clerestory windows like you suggest. No ideas how much more double glazing will cost but certainly we need to include a fair amount into our budget. Agree with having a door separating the living from the back of the house like you said. Much better for heating and sound insulation. Again thanks a lot.
...See More
Ensuite/WIR layout
Q
Comments (64)
The doors can be hinged to open outwards. Ours opened onto verandah and back garden. Had drapes shut for sleeptime. It was a narrower sitting area so we each had chair and ottoman on either side of doors. Wasn't wide enough to accomodate side tables, which we would have liked for setting down books and coffee cups. I used the window sills next to chair for this. The devil is in the detail, and can learn so much through trial and error.
...See More
seeking feedback on new build floorplan
Q
Comments (53)
Hi Sara, It's difficult to find a plan that is orientated correctly & fits all your needs isn't it. But keep looking, & see if you can find something out modify a plan by flipping out, or making small changes. As many of others have mentioned, you are in the enviable position of having a wide block with a northern rear aspect. Use that northern aspect to it's full potential! Stretch the floorplan at the rear, across most of the with of the block. So try to locate the majority of your living areas at the rear of the home. The living room, the dining room, & the kitchen. I think I read that you're not a fan of open plan? How about broken plan, to break things up? Western sunlight is harsh on summer afternoons & evenings. So although some of the most recent plans have both facing living areas, I also see west facing bedrooms, which is a bad idea. Try to locate bedrooms on the south & east. So the master in the SE corner, the minor bedrooms to the eastern side. Unfortunately something has to face west. Try to locate rarely used rooms here if possible, certainly not occupied bedrooms. So the garage in the SW corner. The second multi-purpose living area/kid's retreat, or possibly the main bathroom, the laundry, butler's pantry if you're having one. Possible the alfresco in the NW corner. If you want to read up more on building a comfortable, energy efficient home, start with this great website, https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design
...See More
Feedback on house design
Q
Comments (63)
the only mistake would be not making the best of what you already have.. it's a great house and the size and location of windows can help improve PSD ...YourHome.gov has lots of ideas for improving design for existing homes with less than ideal orientation but depending on your local climate "north facing" isn't always ideal for every room.. we deliberately built a south west facing room because it's good to have light in all rooms, western sun is great in cold weather and overheating is easily controlled with insulation and external blinds and a south facing room will be easily cooled in hot weather ... a highlight window in your rumpus room will help brighten the room and allow for easier furniture placement and shade cloth roller blinds on the outside of the alfresco can shade western sun from kitchen and family living and dining areas...good luck with your build and enjoy your new home
...See More
oklouise
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
we have to keep in mind that the Illume Solar Skylights are solar powered lights and respond just like a skylight by becoming dull on overcast days...we use our Illume skylights for general brightening of both small and bigger rooms but even on a bright day any overhead central light source will create shadows on the counters because the light is above and behind where you stand to work... so i would always use extra task lights mounted under the wall cabinets (not the ceiling) to shine light directly on the work area in front of you ...

illume ‘skylight’ system - feedback?

Comments (3)

oklouise

marie4509
Original Author

Related Discussions

oklouise

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

illume ‘skylight’ system - feedback?

Comments (3)

oklouise

marie4509Original Author

Related Discussions

oklouise

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

marie4509
Original Author