by Shane Henson — March 28, 2012—Alcoa’s Kawneer architectural aluminum business recently launched InLighten Light Shelf, a product the company says will be valued not only for its energy efficiency, but design and versatility as well.
At the core of functionality, architectural light shelves are designed to reflect sunlight deeper into the interior of a building by “bouncing” natural light up to the ceiling and have been proven to reduce perimeter lighting requirements and enhance the occupant experience. According to Kawneer, the design of the new InLighten Light Shelf leverages minimal material content, sightlines, weight, installation and maintenance efforts, all while maximizing daylighting and design options at a competitive price.
The shelf features an extruded aluminum chassis system and offers several panel choices. In addition to the traditional opaque Reynobond aluminum composite material panels, lightweight translucent polycarbonate panels are now a standard offering. In addition, the availability of depths of up to 30-inches allows for the overall reflective surface to be maximized.
Buyers will also find that installation is easy, says the company, as the shelf incorporates a unique mounting bracket that allows the panel to be effortlessly tilted for care and cleaning. Additionally, panels can be fabricated and assembled in the shop, which significantly reduces time spent in the field before installation. The shelf also does not interfere with the installation or operation of typical window treatments and has been tested using advanced finite element analysis modeling techniques and physical testing, says Kawneer.
In regard to the product’s environmental advantages, in addition to increased daylight control and energy savings, the company says the shelf can help earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits in three categories: Materials & Resources—Recycled Content, Energy & Atmosphere—Optimize Energy Performance, and Indoor Environmental Quality—Daylight and Views.
