Retrofit Daylighting Solutions
Bring Natural Light to Existing Buildings
If you think top-down daylighting only works in new construction, think again.
At Daylight Specialists, we help architects, designers, and building owners bring natural light into existing commercial spaces—often with minimal disruption and maximum payoff. Using advanced skylight and tubular daylighting technologies from trusted names like Solatube®, Velux®, and Kingspan® we retrofit occupied buildings, legacy facilities, and unconventional structures with high-performance daylighting systems that transform interior environments.
Whether you’re modernizing a decades-old school or refreshing a retail footprint, we make it possible to integrate daylight into your building’s design.
Why Retrofit Daylighting?
Daylighting retrofits offer one of the most impactful, cost-effective upgrades available for commercial buildings. And thanks to modular skylights and tubular daylighting devices (TDDs), it’s more feasible than ever to install these systems into finished ceilings, windowless interiors, and previously light-starved spaces.
Benefits of retrofitting with daylight:
- Lower construction costs compared to full renovations
- Improved occupant wellness and productivity
- Enhanced aesthetics and ambiance
- Increased property value and functionality
- Reduced lighting energy costs
We work closely with architects and building stakeholders to design custom daylighting solutions for both occupied renovations and full-scale adaptive reuse projects.
Our Consultative Retrofitting process
At Daylight Specialists, we provide technical expertise, design assistance, and project management to ensure a seamless integration into your retrofit project. Our process is grounded in building science and driven by the needs of the space, the structure, and the people inside.
Site Evaluation & Daylighting Assessment
We start with a walkthrough or plan review of your existing building to evaluate daylighting opportunities, ceiling types, roof structure, and mechanical obstructions. Our team identifies which daylighting systems will work within your constraints—and where they'll make the most impact.
Daylight Modeling & Performance Analysis
We use daylighting modeling software and photometric tools to simulate daylight performance within your space. This helps us determine the ideal number, placement, and configuration of skylights or TDDs to optimize natural light to meet your design objectives.
Tailored System Design
We design and specify a complete daylighting solution for your retrofit—selecting from industry-leading TDDs or skylights based on your layout, goals, and budget. We provide detailed layouts, product specs, and installation recommendations to support your architectural documentation.
Retrofit-Friendly Installation
We work with certified installers to integrate systems into your existing building envelope and accommodate existing plenum obstructions. Our project managers coordinate closely with other trades to reduce disruption and deliver daylight on time and on budget.
Daylighting Retrofits In ACtion
Project Highlights
Early Childhood Education Center, Fergus Falls
Challenge: Transform a windowless former Target store into a light-filled school for over 300 students.
Solution: Installed nearly 50 Solatube SolaMaster units to bring daylight deep into interior classrooms, offices, and common areas—creating a healthier, more engaging environment for young learners.
Outcome: Dramatic improvement in learning spaces, reduced need for artificial lighting, and received widespread praise from faculty, visitors, and the architectural team. Additionally, the Fergus Falls School District was able to build this space at roughly 50% of the cost of new construction.
“Even on cloudy days, the 21” Solatubes deliver an amazing amount of light…” — Scott DeMartelaere, Design Intent Architects
The Emery Hotel, Minneapolis
Challenge: Deliver natural light inside a historic downtown bank building surrounded by high-rises—without altering the architectural character of the space.
Solution: Fourteen Solatube SkyVault M74 DS units with collectors and amplifiers were installed to bring daylight into the lobby and sustain indoor greenery.
Outcome: A biophilic oasis in the heart of downtown, with evenly distributed natural light that supports guest wellness and reinforces the hotel’s visual identity and historic character.
“It was a world of difference. I never thought the Solatubes would bring in that much light. It is amazing.” — Kelly Snyder, General Manager
Trailmark Outfitters, Edina
Challenge: Bring daylight into an enclosed upscale retail store with no access to exterior windows.
Solution: Five Solatube 750DS units installed into the ceiling, exposing the hardware for a clean, industrial look.
Outcome: Vibrant lighting improves product visibility, accurate color rendering, and a more inviting atmosphere for shoppers.
“Nobody knows exactly what they’re seeing—just that the store feels more alive. We even take all our product photos under the Solatubes.” — Joel Santerre, Owner
Retrofit Applications by Market
We’ve successfully retrofitted daylighting systems in a wide range of commercial spaces, including:
Education
Turn underlit classrooms, gyms, and corridors into naturally lit environments that support student performance.
Manufacturing
Improve safety, morale, and energy efficiency on the floor with even, natural light.
Retail
Improve visual merchandising, customer engagement, and true color rendering—all without sacrificing display space to windows.
Business & Office
Upgrade older buildings for modern wellness expectations with minimal tenant disruption.
Healthcare
Enhance patient and staff environments with glare-free, mood-boosting daylight.
Retrofit Daylighting FAQ
Can I retrofit skylights into an existing commercial building?
Yes—skylight retrofitting is one of the most effective ways to bring natural light into older commercial structures. Whether you're working with a concrete deck, metal roof, or TPO membrane, we can evaluate your existing roof conditions and recommend skylight systems that install cleanly and perform reliably. We offer unit tubular skylights, skylight replacement, continuous vault skylights, and structural systems—all with code-compliant and energy-efficient glazing options. Some projects may require roofing work or structural supports.
How disruptive is it to install Solatube daylighting systems in an occupied building?
Solatube’s tubular daylighting devices are uniquely well-suited for retrofits in occupied spaces. Because of their compact footprint and modular installation, Solatubes can often be installed with minimal structural impact. We coordinate with facilities teams and contractors to keep the process clean, efficient, and disruption-free.
Will daylighting retrofits affect my building’s energy use or HVAC performance?
Yes—in a good way. Daylighting systems reduce the need for electric lighting during daylight hours, which can significantly lower lighting energy costs. Modern skylight systems are also engineered with improved glazing and thermal insulation options that minimize solar heat gain and heat loss. Our team can run daylighting models and provide energy performance data to estimate how retrofitting with natural light will impact your specific building.
Can you match or replace old skylights with more modern systems?
Definitely. We regularly provide skylight replacement services for aging or leaking skylights in schools, retail centers, warehouses, municipal buildings, and more. Modern skylights from Kingspan and VELUX offer better durability, energy performance, and aesthetic appeal than legacy products—and we can match sizes, integrate with existing curbs, and ensure code compliance during the replacement. (Link to skylight replacement page)
What types of buildings are best suited for a daylighting retrofit?
We've completed successful daylighting retrofits in all types of commercial spaces—from schools, healthcare facilities, and retail stores to offices and manufacturing plants. If your building has an accessible roof and interior spaces that would benefit from natural light, there's a high likelihood that top-down daylighting solutions can be implemented, even in highly compartmentalized or windowless structures.
Retrofit Daylighting Consultation
Retrofitting daylighting isn’t just possible—it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. Whether you’re exploring early options or already working with a design team, we’re here to help.
Let’s bring daylight to your existing space—intelligently, affordably, and beautifully.
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