Limitations
Light shelves may not be suitable for all climates. They are generally used in mild climates and not in tropical or desert climates due to the intense solar heat gain. These hot climates, compared to mild climates, require very small window openings to reduce the amount of heat infiltration.
The fact that light shelves extend a fair distance into a room may result in interference with sprinkler systems. In Canada, they cannot exceed 1200 mm (4 ft.) in width if sprinklers are present or the design will require integration with sprinkler system to cover the floor area under the light shelf. They also require a higher than average floor-to-ceiling heights in order for them to be effective, or daylight may be inadvertently redirected into occupants' eyes.
The distance into a space that light is cast is variable depending on both the time of day and the time of year.
Light Shelves also increase maintenance requirements and window coverings must be coordinated with light shelf design.
Read more about this topic: Architectural Light Shelf
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