June 20, 2008 -- As China set out to create the first-ever “Green Olympics,” designers turned to Solatube International Inc., the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) to provide natural lighting solutions for a new Olympic event-designated gymnasium at the Beijing Science & Technology University.

The contemporary architects designing the facility sought a way to add natural luminaire to the building that would satisfy the needs of athletes and spectators, while reducing the need for artificial lighting. Design skylights were not an option due to the building’s obstructions.

The solution was the Solatube 750 DS Daylighting System. The design challenges were overcome largely due to the high light transmission properties of the Spectralight® Infinity Tubing, which allowed the daylight to be successfully transmitted over 26.1 feet (eight meters) and was angled around construction obstructions. Additionally, the building’s Solatube Daylighting Systems were equipped with OptiView® Modern diffusers and Daylight DimmersTM, for optimum energy efficiency, occupant comfort and changing space requirements.

Designers of the project also chose Solatube Daylighting Systems because in the intense Beijing sun of August, it eliminates powerful glare and hot spots, as well as stops UV rays and heat from entering the building. The Solatube Daylighting System uses Raybender 3000 Technology to reduce the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Thus, by installing Solatube 750 DS Daylighting Systems, the Beijing Science & Technology University Gymnasium is able to obtain the highest solar heat gain to visual transmission ratio currently available from any daylighting product.