From libraries and leisure centres to healthcare buildings and transport hubs, public spaces shape our everyday experience. These are places that must do more than function well; they need to uplift, inspire, and serve diverse communities. One of the most powerful ways to enhance the quality and character of these environments is through natural daylight.

At Whitesales, we understand that no two buildings are the same. That’s why our bespoke daylighting solutions are designed not just to fit, but to elevate. Whether it’s addressing practical challenges or achieving an architectural vision, tailored rooflight systems are key to unlocking the full potential of public space design.

The power of natural light

Natural daylight brings a host of benefits to public spaces, from improved well being and reduced energy use to creating a more inviting and vibrant atmosphere. In educational settings, daylight supports concentration and learning. In hospitals and care environments, it aids recovery and mental health. In commercial and transport buildings, it enhances user experience, way finding, and even dwell time.

Rooflights and skylights deliver daylight where traditional windows cannot, illuminating central areas and large open-plan spaces. Studies show that natural light boosts mood, increases productivity, and even helps regulate circadian rhythms, which can lead to better sleep and overall health.

Why bespoke matters

While off-the-shelf rooflights serve many purposes, bespoke solutions become essential when public architecture demands more. These might include:

• Unusual shapes or sizes
• Design-driven aesthetics
• Non-standard roof types or pitches
• Planning constraints on listed or heritage buildings
• Acoustic, thermal performance or ventilation requirements

Bespoke daylighting allows for creative freedom without compromising functionality. Our in-house team works with architects, contractors and specifiers to deliver rooflight systems that enhance the design narrative of a space while meeting practical needs.

Overcoming architectural challenges

Many public buildings feature complex roof structures, irregular layouts or protected design elements that can limit standard daylighting options. Bespoke solutions offer a way around these obstacles.

For example, heritage refurbishments often call for sensitive intervention. With the right design, rooflights can be discreetly integrated to maximise light without impacting the visual integrity of the original architecture. The Fry Building at the University of Bristol is a standout example, where tailored daylighting solutions brought light into a heritage academic building without compromising its historic features.

In transport and retail settings, spaces with large footprints and high footfall demand solutions that are not only robust and compliant but also create a sense of openness and ease. Bespoke continuous roof glazing or large-scale pyramid rooflights can make these environments feel lighter, safer, and more user-friendly.

Similarly, at York St John University, our bespoke rooflight installations played a crucial role in transforming internal areas into light-filled learning spaces. The custom designs ensured an optimal balance of daylight and performance, aligning with both aesthetic and environmental goals.

Shaping spaces across sectors

Bespoke rooflights play a pivotal role across a wide range of sectors. In healthcare environments, they help create restorative, naturally lit spaces that aid recovery and improve staff wellbeing. These designs often integrate features such as smoke ventilation and hygienic, easy-clean finishes. This approach has already proven effective in a number of NHS settings, where rooflights have helped meet strict clinical standards while significantly enhancing the atmosphere of patient areas.

In education, custom daylighting strategies are tailored to promote concentration and support energy efficiency. For example, at York St John University, a considered rooflight installation helped revitalise learning environments by bringing in abundant natural light without compromising on design integrity.

Meanwhile, in the retail and transport sectors, where footfall is high and first impressions matter, bespoke rooflights elevate the user experience. Natural light fosters a sense of openness, improves navigation, and enhances dwell time, all while supporting demanding safety and energy requirements.

Cultural and civic spaces, including museums, galleries, and civic centres, often require distinct architectural expression. Here, rooflights become a key feature, enabling designers to shape how visitors experience space, movement, and light. By aligning form with function, bespoke rooflights help these venues deliver impact and identity.

Bringing the vision to life

From concept to completion, bespoke daylighting solutions give designers the freedom to bring light into spaces where standard systems fall short. At Whitesales, we provide full end-to-end support, from technical consultancy and daylight calculations to manufacturing and installation guidance.

Publics paces deserve more than generic solutions. With the right approach, natural light can be both a design feature and a performance asset. That’s why we believe in bespoke.