Solar Innovations, Inc., a custom manufacturer of residential and commercial skylights; greenhouses; garden windows; conservatories; sunrooms; folding, sliding, and stacking walls, doors, windows, and screens; manufactures skylight for SMWV’s butterfly exhibit.
olar Innovations, Inc. recently completed a custom skylight project for the Science Museum of Western Virginia. The museum, located in Roanoke, Virginia, underwent a renovation that included the addition of an overhead skylight for its butterfly exhibit. The butterfly garden is open to the public and provides visitors the opportunity to interact with numerous butterfly species, some with wingspans up to 8″ long. The exhibit can also be observed from a rooftop center through the skylight, which has generated positive responses from visitors.
The Solar Innovations, Inc. manufactured skylight which measures roughly 41′L x 28′W x 8′H, was installed by American Door and Glass of Southwest Virginia. Unlike a traditionally styled skylight, this unit features an irregular lean-to shape with hipped ends and a flared midsection. The skylight was adorned by structural steel “wings” which rise above the spine of the structure and are intended to enhance the butterfly theme that is carried throughout the building.
During the renovation process a steel foundation was constructed for the skylight attachment. Solar Innovations, Inc.’s flexible glazing system was used for the skylight’s framing and acts as a veneer when attached to the steel. The aluminum system features a Class 1 Clear Anodized finish that will better withstand exposure to the elements when compared to a typical painted finish.
