01. Site Survey & Client Requirements
The existing opening is a deep rectangular concrete lightwell located in a narrow side passage between the townhouse wall and a boundary louver fence. The shaft is surrounded by a sloping concrete upstand with existing waterproofing and limited working space.
- Rain and debris protection: The uncovered shaft was exposed to wind-driven rain, leaves and dirt.
- Fall safety: The deep opening created a safety risk along the narrow side walkway.
- Ventilation: Warm stagnant air accumulated within the multi-story shaft and needed a controlled exhaust path.
- Daylighting: The lower-level interior required more natural light without leaving the shaft permanently open.
- Tight site geometry: The skylight had to fit the existing 2,910 × 1,000 mm opening and sloping concrete curb.
02. Conceptual Design & Operating Principle
SUNRAY developed a single-leaf top-hung skylight that opens outward from the lower edge while keeping the actuator hardware concealed within the S70 frame.
2.1 Concealed-Actuator Top-Hung Architecture
The long top edge acts as the hinge line, while synchronized electric chain actuators push the bottom edge outward. This creates a broad perimeter ventilation opening without exposed piston arms or external brackets.
2.2 Natural Stack-Effect Ventilation
When the sash opens, rising warm air from the vertical lightwell can escape through the upper opening, supporting passive stack-effect ventilation through the shaft.
2.3 Dual Control Interfaces
Users can operate the skylight from either an 86 × 86 mm wall-mounted touch panel or a handheld wireless remote. The source drawing shows OPEN, STOP and CLOSE controls and places the wall panel at approximately 1.4 m above floor level.
03. Shop Drawings & Electrical Coordination
The production drawing dated July 23, 2025 established the final frame size, curb interface, control wiring, glazing and shading details before fabrication.
- Overall frame length: 2,910 mm
- Overall frame width: 1,000 mm
- Concrete curb upstand: 150 mm
- Concrete curb wall thickness: 70 mm
- Main power: AC 220V
- Incoming power cable: BVV 2 × 2.5
- Motor cable: BVV 2 × 1.5
- Wall touch panel: 86 × 86 mm
- Control mounting height: approximately 1.4 m
- Glass: 6 mm Low-E + 1.14 PVB + 6 mm laminated safety glass
- Integrated internal sun blinds
04. Precision Manufacturing & Factory Quality Control
Manufacturing focused on precision frame geometry, welded corner integrity and smooth finishing before coating and final assembly.
4.1 Precision Cutting & Mitering
S70 aluminum profiles were cut to the project dimensions using automated double-head cutting equipment with the ±0.2 mm dimensional tolerance stated in the source case file.
4.2 Laser Corner Welding & Grinding
Frame corners were laser welded, then mechanically ground and polished flush to create clean miter joints before surface finishing.
4.3 Dark Charcoal Architectural Finish
The completed aluminum frame received a dark charcoal / matte black fluorocarbon finish selected to coordinate with the townhouse architecture.
05. 1:1 Factory Trial Pre-Assembly & Kinematic Testing
Before packing, the complete S70 skylight was assembled on a factory test bench for mechanical, electrical and sealing verification.
5.1 Frame Fit & Baseline Verification
- Frame diagonals and perimeter squareness checked across the 2,910 × 1,000 mm assembly.
- Curb seating and overall geometry verified before shipment.
- The source case file states a ±0.5 mm check for the full assembled unit.
5.2 Concealed Actuator & Control Testing
- Dual concealed chain actuators installed and synchronized.
- Repeated opening and closing cycles completed using the wireless remote.
- Full-stroke travel and end-limit cutoff checked.
- EPDM perimeter gasket compression inspected for consistent weather sealing.
06. Export Packaging & Container Logistics
After factory testing, the glazed skylight unit was protected in a dedicated heavy-duty wooden crate for international shipment.
- Glazed frame protected with foam padding and internal timber bracing.
- Custom wooden crate prepared for the complete skylight unit.
- Factory crane used to lift and position the crate inside the shipping container.
- Crate secured for ocean transport to the destination project.
07. On-Site Installation & Commissioning
At the townhouse, the factory-finished skylight was mounted directly onto the existing sloping concrete curb and integrated with the building's electrical controls.
7.1 Curb Preparation & Waterproofing
The 70 mm concrete curb was cleaned and prepared, with weatherproofing applied at the structural contact surfaces before the skylight frame was fixed in place.
7.2 Frame Anchoring & Glazing Integration
The 2,910 × 1,000 mm aluminum frame was anchored onto the concrete upstand, after which the glazed sash and sealing interfaces were completed.
7.3 Electrical Connection & Final Calibration
Motor cables were routed through the frame side into the building conduit, the wall touch panel was connected, and the actuator stroke and limit positions were calibrated for final operation.
08. Final Handover & Residential Use
The completed S70 skylight converts the previously open lightwell into a controllable glazed opening that combines daylight, ventilation and weather protection.
- Natural daylight: The 2,910 × 1,000 mm glazed opening brings daylight into the deep shaft and adjacent lower-level rooms.
- Automated ventilation: The top-hung sash can be opened electrically to exhaust warm air from the lightwell.
- Rain protection: The sloping curb, gasket system and glazed cover protect the shaft from direct rainfall and debris.
- Safer lightwell edge: The glazed enclosure removes the previously open top condition.
- Clean architectural appearance: Concealed actuators and dark-charcoal framing create a restrained modern finish.
09. Application Scenarios
The same concealed-actuator top-hung skylight concept can be adapted to projects requiring daylight, ventilation and weather protection over narrow vertical shafts.
- Multi-story townhouse lightwells and ventilation shafts
- Basement daylight and egress wells
- Residential internal courtyards and stairwells
- Commercial and hospitality lightwells requiring automated roof ventilation