Understand what a skylight is, its types, advantages, and how this element brings natural light and integrates the landscape into the interior of the house traduzido por: OPENROUTER
Submitted at Jun 30, 2026, 3:00 PM
Felipe Rossi Arquitetura - Casa Limiar R. Diluir as margens entre ambientes internos e externos por meio de lâminas de vidro ajudou a trazer a paisagem tombada do Parque da Água Branca para perto deste pavilhão. A casa de 80 m² ganha contornos idílicos, mas com todo o conforto que a modernidade permite. “Reconhecemos a arquitetura como esse espaço de travessia, onde a simplicidade é construída com intenção”, comenta o arquiteto Felipe Rossi. Bancadas de aço inox se contrapõem às paredes esculturais de travertino rosso que avançam desde o hall, passando pelo living gourmet, pela suíte e pelo closet. No teto, uma claraboia deixa ver a copa das árvores, em uma solução tão inesperada quanto elegante. (Daniela Magario/Divulgação)
Contemporary architecture has increasingly sought solutions that bring residents closer to nature without sacrificing comfort and functionality. In this context, the skylight stands out as one of the most efficient architectural elements to enhance projects, increasing the entry of natural light and establishing a visual connection with the sky, the trees, and the surrounding landscape.
Volar Interiores - Casa Ecomorada. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2026. (Daniela Magario/Divulgação)
In addition to contributing to the aesthetics of projects, the skylight improves the quality of indoor spaces, reduces electricity consumption during the day, and can even favor ventilation when designed with opening systems. Whether in residences or commercial spaces, it transforms previously dark areas into more pleasant and illuminated projects.
Sabine Rosas Arquitetura - Saravá. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2023. (Tarso Figueira/Divulgação)
The skylight is an opening installed on the roof of a building, generally filled with glass or another translucent material, whose main function is to allow the entry of natural lighting through the ceiling. Unlike conventional windows, it captures light directly from the sky, distributing it evenly throughout the indoor projects.
Vinicius Castro - Garagem Pulso Livre. Projeto da CASACOR Goiás 2026. (Edgard César/Divulgação)
This element can be applied in different spaces of the house, such as living rooms, kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, staircases, and indoor gardens. In addition to illuminating, the skylight creates a sense of spaciousness and strengthens the integration between architecture and nature.
Milcent Arquitetura - Refúgio Deca. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2023. (Tarso Figueira/Divulgação)
The installation of a skylight requires structural planning to ensure safety, watertightness, and good thermal performance. The project begins with the definition of the opening on the roof, considering factors such as solar orientation, rainfall incidence, ventilation, and the structure of the roof or slab.
BD Arquitetura - Living do acolhimento. (Felipe Araújo/Divulgação)
The structure is usually made of aluminum, steel, or wood, with closures in laminated, tempered, or insulated glass, according to the project's needs. In some cases, polycarbonate or acrylic, which are lightweight and resistant materials, can also be used. To prevent infiltrations, specific sealing and waterproofing systems are employed, which are essential for the durability of the installation.
Projeto Rawi Arquitetura + Design (Juliana Deeke/Divulgação)
Beyond aesthetics, the skylight plays an important role in sustainability. It allows natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting for much of the day, which contributes to electricity savings.
Janaina Marques - Estar Íntimo do Casal. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2026. (Guilherme Lopes/Divulgação)
Another benefit is related to well-being. Naturally lit projects provide greater visual comfort, enhance color perception, and help create a more pleasant atmosphere for everyday activities. When installed in models with an opening, the skylight also improves air circulation, aiding in cross-ventilation and indoor temperature control.
Com clarabóias e grandes aberturas, a luz natural é protagonista no espaço Claro na Casa Paulistana. (Denilson Machado/MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)
There are several models of skylights, and the choice depends on the project's characteristics, the need for lighting and ventilation, and the desired aesthetic effect. Get to know the main ones:
This is the most commonly used model in homes. Its main purpose is to allow natural light to enter, with no possibility of opening. It is suitable for living rooms, hallways, staircases, and other projects that already have adequate ventilation and only need more lighting.
In addition to illuminating the project, this type can be opened manually or automatically, promoting air circulation. It is an excellent option for kitchens, bathrooms, service areas, and places where air renewal is important to increase thermal comfort.
Ideal for small projects or those without direct access to the roof, the tubular skylight uses a highly reflective tube to channel natural light from the roof into the interior of the house. It is widely used in hallways, closets, and powder rooms, providing good lighting with a small opening.
With an elevated shape, it can be pyramidal, arched, or domed. In addition to providing ample light entry, this model adds architectural distinction to the roof and facilitates rainwater drainage, being common in social areas, halls, and winter gardens.
Widely used in larger projects, it consists of a raised structure above the roof that allows light entry and, in many cases, also the exit of hot air. Although common in commercial buildings and warehouses, the lantern can also be incorporated into contemporary residences with high ceilings, adding thermal comfort and a striking visual.
João Panaggio - Claro na Casa Paulistana. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)
When well positioned, the skylight goes beyond lighting: it becomes a frame for the sky and the surrounding vegetation, bringing residents closer to nature even in urban areas.
Casa Migrante, por João Panaggio. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2022. (André Nazareth/Divulgação)
To achieve the best result, it is important to study the solar orientation, use glass with thermal control when there is high heat incidence, and provide protective devices such as blinds, brises, or specific films. In this way, the skylight offers comfort, energy efficiency, and a strong aesthetic impact, making spaces more illuminated and connected to the external projects.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.
traduzido por: OPENROUTER
