The power of light

Light is an essential part of our lives. We need it to see. We need it to remain physically and spiritually healthy. And the quality of light within a space ultimately determines how we experience it.

The human body is deeply attuned to the natural cycles of sunlight. We are so affected by light that too little of it can bring on physical symptoms, like tiredness, headaches and eye fatigue. And too little light can even create various psychological problems. Even though the quality of artificial light has improved over the years, the healthiest and most comfortable light still comes from the sun.

Numerous building rating schemes, such as the LEED® Green Rating System (1) and the WELL™ Building Standard (2), recognize the importance of natural light within an interior. Our stone wool acoustic solutions are readily available to help your projects meet or exceed their recommended levels of daylight.

Light reflection

Light reflection measures how much light is reflected by a surface, which we call the Light Reflectance Value (LRV). When a surface is illuminated by a light source, the LRV measures all light waves and directions that are reflected. To put this in perspective, the reflection value of a mirror is 100%, and when there is no surface reflection at all, then the value is zero. 

NA, Anthem Technology Center, Portman Architects, Sonar, 4000 Tempra

Light diffusion

Light diffusion is what happens when incoming light is reflected in all directions. It creates an even spread of light with no shadows, unlike light fixtures on the ceiling or fluorescent tubes. Diffuse light on its own can create an empty atmosphere, so it works best when it is combined with direct and indirect light. When done right, a room that combines light reflection with light diffusion does not need extra fixtures because light is naturally guided through the space. 

Reception area of Nieuwe Rechtbank in Amsterdam The Netherlands with Rockfon Mono Acoustic
FI, Chydenia, Helsinki, Innovarch Oy, Education, Rockfon Blanka, E-edge, 600x1200, white, canteen

Start with the ceiling

As the largest unused space in most buildings, the ceiling is a fantastic place to start when increasing levels of natural light in an interior. A ceiling that combines light reflection with light diffusion creates a more uniform distribution of daylight in the space. This technique projects the available light much further into the space, not only increasing the amount of useable room but reducing the need for artificial light and saving on energy consumption. 

To learn more, download our White Paper on Light Reflection and Diffusion.

GeoCenter Møns Klint
Møns Klint, Denmark
Fonden GeoCenter Møns Klint
PLH arkitekter as, Copenhagen, Denmark
MonoAcoustic
Industrial Black
Leisure & Sport

Other product benefits