1. Fixed Skylights
These are sealed, non-operable skylights that allow natural daylight without ventilation. Typically constructed with tempered or laminated glass, they’re durable and ideal for spaces like hallways, stairwells, and attics where light is desired without airflow.
Why use them?
- Maximizes daylight for energy savings and ambiance.
- Simple design with lower maintenance.
- Suited to areas needing consistent light and privacy.
2. Ventilated (Operable) Skylights & Roof Windows
Also known as operable skylights or roof windows, these units open to allow both light and air. They’re great for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, helping to improve ventilation and reduce humidity.
Why use them?
- Combines daylighting with airflow.
- Enhances indoor air quality and comfort.
- Ideal for tropical climates like Malaysia.
3. Tubular Skylights (TDDs / Sun Tubes)
These compact units gather sunlight via a roof-mounted dome, channeling it through a highly reflective tube into tight spaces below. Perfect for spots where traditional skylights aren’t feasible—such as closets, corridors, or bathrooms.
Why use them?
- Minimal roof intrusion—smaller cut-out area.
- Efficient light delivery into small, enclosed spaces.
- Often paired with built-in lighting for overcast days.
4. Custom & Architectural Skylights (Pyramid, Dome, Lantern, Ridge)
These skylights come in diverse shapes and styles tailored to suit architectural aesthetics:
- Pyramid Skylights: Typically used on flat roofs, these skylights add a sculptural element with multiple glass facets.
- Domed Skylights: Made with robust polycarbonate or plastic layers, they diffuse light evenly throughout the space and often include dual-layer protection
- Roof Lanterns: Raised, multi-faceted skylights that create a dramatic focal point. Often crafted from wood, UPVC, or aluminium, they flood rooms with light while adding architectural grandeur.
- Ridge Skylights: Mounted along the ridge of a roof to deliver balanced, top-down illumination—excellent for vaulted or open-plan spaces.
Why use them?
- Offers statement-making aesthetic enhancements.
- Can transform ordinary spaces into sculpturally lit environments.
- Customizable to suit Malaysian architectural styles and tropical conditions.
5. Polycarbonate & Glass Skylights / Hollow Skylights
In Malaysia, polycarbonate is a popular material for skylights due to its lightweight, high-impact resistance, UV protection, and thermal performance—especially in tropical weather.
Hollow Skylights combine a transparent dome, an air gap, and an interior diffuser to maximize daylight while reducing heat gain—ideal for energy-efficient design in tropical climates.
Why use them?
- Polycarbonate: durable, UV-shielded, and cost-effective.
- Hollow designs: optimal daylighting with improved thermal control.
- Suitable across residential, commercial, and industrial contexts.
6. Transparent Canopy Skylights / Glass Canopies
While technically more canopies than skylights, these structures—made from tempered or laminated safety glass—serve as sheltered yet light-permitting coverings above entrances, walkways, or outdoor seating areas.
Why use them?
- Provides both functional shelter and natural lighting.
- Enhances entryways, façades, or outdoor communal spaces.
- Commonly used in modern Malaysian commercial and residential builds.
Functional Uses & Benefits
- Daylighting & Energy Efficiency
Most skylights can admit up to three times more light than vertical windows, significantly reducing daytime light usage and electricity costs. - Ventilation & Indoor Comfort
Operable units promote air exchange, crucial for high-humidity areas—helping reduce mold risks and increase occupant comfort. - Aesthetic Enhancement
Skylights elevate interior spaces—from creating dramatic architectural features with roof lanterns to adding visual interest via custom or domed options. - Adaptability to Climate
Hollow and polycarbonate skylights minimize heat gain—especially relevant in Malaysia’s tropical environment. - Versatility Across Spaces
- Fixed and tubular skylights for hallways, bathrooms, or closets.
- Operable skylights for wet areas.
- Architectural skylights for living rooms, dining areas, or showstoppers.
- Canopies for outdoor transitions.
Choosing the Right Skylight in Malaysia
- Purpose & Use: For light-only needs, choose fixed or tubular types; for airflow and light, go with ventilated or roof windows.
- Shape & Design: Opt for geometric or custom styles to match architectural intent.
- Material Matters: Select glass for clarity and insulation; consider polycarbonate for lighter, UV-protected options; hollow designs for thermal performance.
- Climate Readiness: Prioritize UV resistance, proper sealing, and considerations for rain and heat.
- Budget & Maintenance: Fixed and polycarbonate options are generally more cost-effective; custom and glass systems can be pricier but make impactful design statements.
Summary Table
| Skylight Type | Primary Benefit | Common Uses in Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Skylight | Natural light, low maintenance | Hallways, stairwells, attics |
| Ventilated Skylight / Roof Window | Light + airflow | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Tubular Skylight | Compact, efficient light delivery | Closets, small bathrooms, corridors |
| Custom/Pyramid/Dome/Lantern | Aesthetic and architectural impact | Living rooms, extensions |
| Hollow Skylight | Light with thermal efficiency | All climates, especially tropics |
| Polycarbonate Skylight | Lightweight, durable, UV-resistant | Residential, commercial, industrial |
| Glass Canopy Skylight | Covered yet light-filled entryways | Building entrances, patios |
Final Thoughts
In Malaysia’s sun-rich but climate-challenged environment, skylights are more than architectural luxuries—they’re practical solutions. Whether you’re focused on boosting natural light, enhancing ventilation, or making a bold design statement, there’s a skylight type tailored to your needs. From energy-conscious hollow units to show-stopping roof lanterns, these design elements brighten spaces while elevating function and style.