Oberlichter

Oberlichter are skylights, or upper-light openings, installed in ceilings or roofs to admit daylight from above into interior spaces. The term is used in German-speaking contexts and is commonly applied to multiple skylights within a building.

They serve to illuminate rooms more evenly, reduce reliance on artificial lighting during daytime, and, when operable, provide ventilation. They can also influence the perceived height and ambience of a space and contribute to passive solar gains in temperate climates.

Design and variants: Oberlichter may be fixed or operable. They occur in flat, domed, or pitched forms and may be standalone or integrated with roof windows. Tubular skylights (light tubes) channel daylight to interior rooms where a direct roof opening is impractical. Glazing options include glass or polycarbonate; frames are typically wood, aluminum, or PVC. Modern skylights emphasize thermal performance with insulated glazing, low-emissivity coatings, and weatherproof seals to reduce heat loss or gain and minimize glare.

Placement considerations: Size, placement on the roof, and orientation influence daylight distribution and heat transfer. Weatherproofing, wind load resistance, and flashing details are critical, as are building code requirements for safety and energy efficiency.

History: The use of skylights dates back to ancient and medieval architecture and evolved with advances in glassmaking. In modern construction, Oberlichter are part of daylighting strategies that balance natural illumination with energy performance.

See also: Oberlicht, Dachfenster, daylighting.