Light reflection and diffusion

Whether at home or at the office, most of our time is spent indoors and as a result, the proper balance of light within a space contributes to our well-being, quality of life, and our productivity.

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The power of light

Light is an essential part of our lives. We need it to see. We need it to remain physically and spiritually healthy. And the quality of light within a space ultimately determines how we experience it.

The human body is deeply attuned to the natural cycles of sunlight. We are so affected by light that too little of it can bring on physical symptoms, like tiredness, headaches and eye fatigue. And too little light can even create various psychological problems. Even though the quality of artificial light has improved over the years, the healthiest and most comfortable light still comes from the sun.

Numerous building rating schemes, such as the LEED® Green Rating System ⁽¹⁾ and the WELL™ Building Standard ⁽²⁾, recognize the importance of natural light within an interior. Our stone wool acoustic solutions are readily available to help your projects meet or exceed their recommended levels of daylight.

Building rating schemes

Rockfon products can help you earn credits toward leading building rating schemes. Learn more below.

Light reflection and diffusion

The light reflection and diffusion properties of your surfaces directly result in the functionality and comfortability of an interior space. Our bright white, stone wool, acoustical ceiling panels offer the right combination of direct versus indirect light, high light reflectance and diffusion, for a better overall lighting experience. Not only do they look more beautiful than traditional suspended ceilings, but they are specially engineered to create a brighter space with a better sense of wellbeing.

Light reflection

Light reflection measures how much light is reflected by a surface, which we call the Light Reflectance Value (LRV). When a surface is illuminated by a light source, the LRV measures all light waves and directions that are reflected. To put this in perspective, the reflection value of a mirror is 100%, and when there is no surface reflection at all, then the value is zero.

NA, Anthem Technology Center, Portman Architects, Sonar, 4000 Tempra

Light diffusion

Light diffusion is what happens when incoming light is reflected in all directions. It creates an even spread of light with no shadows, unlike light fixtures on the ceiling or fluorescent tubes. Diffuse light on its own can create an empty atmosphere, so it works best when it is combined with direct and indirect light. When done right, a room that combines light reflection with light diffusion does not need extra fixtures because light is naturally guided through the space.

Reception area of Nieuwe Rechtbank in Amsterdam The Netherlands with Rockfon Mono Acoustic

Energy savings

By using our acoustic panels with a high level of light reflection and diffusion, you can create not only a brighter, healthier and more productive space, but you can also save on energy costs. The figure below shows the energy consumption and energy savings of an individual ceiling due to light reflection. Ultimately, the research shows that a ceiling with a light reflection of 87% can result in energy savings of up to 22.75% per year ⁽³⁾.

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Start with the ceiling

As the largest unused space in most buildings, the ceiling is a fantastic place to start when increasing levels of natural light in an interior. A ceiling that combines light reflection with light diffusion creates a more uniform distribution of daylight in the space. This technique projects the available light much further into the space, not only increasing the amount of useable room but reducing the need for artificial light and saving on energy consumption.

To learn more, download our White Paper on Light Reflection and Diffusion.

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GeoCenter Møns Klint
Møns Klint, Denmark
Fonden GeoCenter Møns Klint
PLH arkitekter as, Copenhagen, Denmark
MonoAcoustic
Industrial Black
Leisure & Sport

Are you ready to find out why you should consider light reflection in your next office build?

Contact us

Visit our contact page and reach out to a Rockfon Specification representative near you.

Get the facts

To learn more, download our white paper on light reflection and light diffusion.

Get it here

Related products

Check out our acoustic solutions that can effectively brighten up your next build.

Rockfon® Mono Acoustic

Perfect for ceilings and walls, the innovative monolithic surface delivers outstanding acoustic comfort and fire protection

Rockfon® Blanka

Rockfon Blanka has a deep-matt, smooth, super-white surface with high light reflection and light diffusion, contributing to energy savings and a bright and comfortable indoor environment

Rockfon® Eclipse

Innovative and aesthetically pleasing frameless acoustic island comes in a smooth, deep-matt, and super white surface providing high light reflection, light diffusion and anti-static properties, extending product lifetime

^References:

^{(1): LEED® Green Rating System
(2): WELL™ Building Standard}⁽^{3): COWI. (2015). Daylight study on new Rockfon ceiling panels}