Bringing Calm Diffused Daylight to a Community Healthcare Space

At La Familia Pharmacy in Santa Fe, the goal was simple: create a healthcare environment that feels welcoming, comfortable, and human-centered from the moment patients walk through the door.

Working with our Powers Products Southwest (PPSW) team, the solution centered on daylight—specifically, how to introduce it in a way that enhances the space without introducing glare, heat gain, or visual discomfort.

The Solution: Dual Kalwall Skyroof Systems

Two custom Kalwall skyroof systems were integrated into the main corridor and waiting areas, each tailored to the building geometry:

• A shed roof skylight positioned along one corridor
• A self-supported ridge roof system anchoring the primary waiting area

Together, these systems deliver continuous, evenly diffused daylight across both spaces—visually connecting circulation zones while maintaining consistent performance.

Performance Meets Experience

Unlike traditional skylights, Kalwall’s translucent panel systems diffuse daylight evenly across the entire surface, eliminating harsh shadows and hotspots while maintaining consistent illumination throughout the day.

The result is a space that performs as well as it feels:

• Balanced, glare-free daylight that improves visual comfort
• Reduced reliance on artificial lighting, supporting energy efficiency
• Thermal performance suited for the Southwest climate, minimizing heat gain
• Enhanced patient experience, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere
• Consistent light quality across long corridors and shared spaces

Designed for the Southwest

In a high-desert environment like Santa Fe, daylighting requires a thoughtful approach. Too much direct sun can create discomfort and inefficiency—but when properly managed, daylight becomes one of the most powerful tools in shaping how a space is experienced.

This installation demonstrates how translucent daylighting systems can deliver the benefits of natural light while maintaining control, performance, and long-term durability.