Widely used by renowned German-born architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the German proverb – “Der liebe Gott steckt im detail” or “God is in the detail”, was used to “express the idea that whatever one does should be done thoroughly; that is, details are important.” As Mies’ use of it indicates, this is especially true in architecture, with equal importance being dedicated to the quality and feel of a space and the technical construction and implementation of how it gets built. Numerous details get developed for each project, each of great importance for any multitude of reasons.
A recent example of a multi-function detail is our use of Tubular Daylight Devices. Utilized in both renovations and new construction projects, tubular daylight devices are essentially highly efficient skylights that have a reflective duct that channels light down from the roof level. This product is excellent for use in single floor buildings for interior spaces without windows and a great way to get daylight into existing buildings. Benefits of this product are a natural connection to the outdoors, an increase in student/worker productivity, and most importantly the reduction of energy use by utilizing daylighting instead of traditional lighting, with the potential to reduce energy costs by 33%! Detailing these daylight devices takes careful consideration as you are penetrating the buildings roof membrane. During design and construction, VIA works hand-in-hand with the product manufacturer and contractors to ensure that the skylight is specified, installed, and warrantied correctly. We’ve successfully designed and installed these on both new and existing projects, brightening our clients’ days, with greater access to daylight and reduction of energy bills!
