Solatube Selected for Beijing University Olympic Facility

BEIJING — Solatube International Inc., a manufacturer of tubular daylighting devices, completed the first installation of its 750 DS product at Beijing Science & Technology University, which will be a site of sporting events at the 2008 summer Olympics.

The San Diego-based company installed 148 of the 750 DS daylighting systems at the main gymnasium. The 2,400-square-foot gym has arena seating for more than 8,000 spectators.

The 750 DS collects light through a transparent dome and transports it down a highly reflective tube. The light is then distributed through a diffuser to provide natural light in interior spaces.

The building’s architects selected the product after encountering design challenges while they attempted to incorporate natural light into the facility. Skylights were not an option because of several obstructions in the steel-frame roof.

Designers were able to angle the Solatube product around obstructions to transmit natural light more than 26 feet. Diffusers help to evenly disperse natural light and brightness can be adjusted from 100 percent to 2 percent, depending on occupant need.

The product was selected to eliminate glare and hotspots, while stopping UV rays and controlling heat gain, during the Olympic events in August.

Building code compliances and Energy Start rating approval are pending, according to Solatube.