Arlington Heights church gets first-of-its-kind skylight
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights has installed a 16-foot by 30-foot glass roof made with new technology imported from the Netherlands. This skylight covers a newly constructed gathering space that is part of a $3.5 million "Building for the Next Generation" renovation project.
The skylight is made of "SageGlass," which automatically changes color electronically depending on whether it is sunny or cloudy to help control temperature and lighting in the space. The roof was designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, produced by Velux Skylight Co., and installed by A-1 Roofing.
This SageGlass peaked roof is the first installation of its type in the world, said Jim Valentine, Our Saviour's congregational operations officer. The second one will be installed at Navy Pier for the expansion of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater next spring.
The skylight, installed earlier this week, is part of a six-month project to renew the worship space, classrooms, fellowship hall, and offices as well as creating this new gathering space at the church at 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road.
"Our goal in sprucing up and expanding our facilities is to make our church more welcoming and to provide the space for members and guests to enjoy fellowship together," Valentine said.