Roofprisma

Roofprisma is a term used in architecture and daylighting to describe a roof-mounted daylighting module that uses prismatic optical elements to redirect and diffuse sunlight into interior spaces. It is designed to improve daylight distribution in deep-plan rooms while controlling glare and heat gain, often as part of a passive or low-energy design strategy.

The system typically consists of a shallow housing installed on the roof, housing an array of prismatic lenses or micro-prisms arranged to project light through a lightwell, atrium, or translucent ceiling panel. The prisms may be made from tempered glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic and can be arranged to optimize light transfer during different times of day and seasons. Some designs incorporate diffusion layers or spectral filters to balance color rendering and glare.

Installation involves waterproof roofing, flashing, and integration with existing skylight or roof opening. Modules are often modular and can be configured to suit roof geometry. Maintenance considerations include cleaning of exterior prisms and inspection of seals to prevent leaks.

In performance terms, roofprisma units aim to increase daylight factor in interior spaces, reduce artificial lighting demands, and potentially reduce cooling loads by providing diffuse light rather than direct solar beams. The exact performance depends on climate, orientation, spectral properties of the prisms, and integration with shading devices.

Typical applications include office interiors, educational facilities, healthcare spaces, museums, and large atria. Variants exist with different prism geometries, coatings, and integration with sensors and automated shading for dynamic daylight management. The term is not standardized, and similar concepts are marketed under different names such as prism skylights or daylighting prisms.