Top 10 Design Trends in Roof Skylights for Commercial Construction

Are you looking to create commercial spaces that are brighter, more energy-efficient, and unforgettable? Adding the right roof skylight can make all the difference. But incorporating this feature isn't always simple, especially when aiming to boost occupant well-being, reduce energy costs, and set your design apart.

Fortunately, today's roof skylights go far beyond basic daylighting. They are a key architectural element that can improve a building's value and performance.

Below, we'll break down the top 10 roof skylight trends transforming commercial construction—so you can design smarter, bolder, and better.

1. Extra-Large Skylights To Maximize Natural Light

The global skylight market's 6.30% annual growth rate tells the story—businesses want more natural light. The Skylight Market—Global Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028 shows this surge comes from the need for energy-saving daylighting solutions and sustainable building practices.

Oversized roof skylights meet this demand in commercial spaces like retail areas, lobbies, and offices. They flood interiors with natural light, cutting electricity bills while creating a more welcoming atmosphere.

Research also confirms that employees and customers in daylight-filled spaces experience better mood, higher productivity, and improved decision-making.

Can't find the size you need? Call us at 1 (888) 327-5471 or complete our form, and we'll provide custom access doors and skylights that meet your needs.

2. Energy-Efficient Glazing and Insulation

As sustainability becomes central to commercial construction, a roof skylight must do more than just look good—it must perform. Multi-pane glazing, low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, and thermally broken frames can help make them energy efficient.

These roof skylight trends and innovations minimize heat loss and solar gain, supporting compliance with energy codes and LEED certification.

But performance also depends on proper installation. Flashing kits like the ELW Low-Profile Shingle Roof Flashing Kit – Fakro help prevent costly air and water leaks around skylights, ensuring long-term efficiency.

Ready to maximize energy savings? Explore our high-performance skylights designed for commercial applications and request a quote to see how Access Doors and Panels can help you meet LEED requirements.

3. Modular Roof Skylight for Scalable Design

Modular skylights are becoming popular in commercial projects thanks to their flexibility, efficiency, and scalability. These prefabricated systems are ideal for large-scale developments like warehouses, schools, and multi-unit office complexes.

Modular designs streamline construction, ensure consistent quality, and reduce installation time—three major wins for general contractors and developers focused on project timelines and budgets.

4. Integration With Building Automation and Smart Tech

Smart buildings require smart components—and that includes your roof skylight system.

Some models now include daylight and rain sensors, automatically adjusting to changing weather and lighting conditions. Others feature Z-Wave radio for remote control via smart home or building systems.

These upgrades support better energy use and reduce manual oversight in high-occupancy environments like offices and schools.

5. Flat and Low-Profile Roof Skylight Designs

Modern commercial construction often uses roof skylights with flat and low-profile designs for their clean look and efficient roof integration. Whether installed in a school, office, or retail space, these skylights add natural light without adding bulk to the roofline.

The ELW Low-Profile Shingle Roof Flashing Kit—Fakro is designed for deck-mounted skylights. It shields against leaks, supports structural stability, and works with shingles, slates, and similar roofing materials.

6. Operable Skylights for Ventilation and Passive Cooling

Roof skylights that open—also known as operable skylights—are gaining traction in commercial design for their contribution to natural ventilation.

They support passive cooling strategies, reducing the strain on HVAC systems while promoting healthier indoor air quality. These are especially valuable in schools, gyms, and healthcare facilities where air circulation directly impacts well-being.

7. Custom-Shape and Geometric Designs as an Architectural Statement

Geometric skylights are the go-to design trend for commercial projects aiming to make a bold impression. Think domes, pyramids, or custom polygonal forms that serve as functional elements and architectural centerpieces.

These distinctive access solutions are particularly effective in showrooms, atriums, and luxury retail environments, setting properties apart with striking visual statements.

8. Multi-Function Skylights With Emergency Egress or Access Capabilities

In some commercial buildings, a roof skylight is an important part of the building's emergency or maintenance plan.

However, these skylights must comply with strict standards to be considered an emergency escape. Although building codes differ across jurisdictions, the IRC establishes universal standards for egress windows. These include:

• Minimum clear opening of 24" x 20"
• At least 5.7 square feet of unobstructed area
• Interior operation without special tools
• Sill height no more than 44" above the floor

Enhance a building's overall performance. Pair the roof skylight with our roof hatches designed for secure and easy rooftop entry, smoke vents for ventilation, and fire-rated access doors for code compliance.

9. Sustainable Materials and Solar Panels for Green Projects

The push for green buildings has led to skylights crafted from sustainable materials—like recycled glass and aluminum frames with eco-certifications. Developers working on LEED or ESG-focused projects appreciate these features for their environmental impact.

Even better? Some skylights now integrate solar panels, allowing them to generate renewable energy while admitting natural light—doubling down on efficiency and sustainability.

10. Skylights as Focal Points in Biophilic Design

Biophilic design continues to shape commercial interiors by reconnecting occupants with nature. Roof skylights are integral to this approach.

Whether a series of light wells or an expansive atrium canopy, biophilic roof skylight trends and designs improve mood, reduce stress, and boost productivity.

Elevate Your Commercial Projects With These Roof Skylight Trends

From energy performance to elevated aesthetics, today's roof skylight trends do more than let the light in—they provide a competitive edge.

Embracing these trends and sourcing solutions from reliable suppliers like Access Doors and Panels will ensure your projects shine—literally and figuratively.

Ready to elevate your commercial project with cutting-edge roof skylight designs? Contact us online or call us at 1 (888) 327 5471 for expert consultation and to explore our innovative skylight solutions, which meet the demands of modern commercial construction.