The difference between a cold, unappealing space, and one that is warm and inviting is very often a matter of strategically placed lighting. While the usual method to do this is with electrical lighting, what about the use of natural light? This is a method called Daylighting which, as the name suggests, incorporates natural light to illuminate some of the darker areas of a home. What are some ways of doing this?
Perhaps one of the more common ways to incorporate daylight into a dark space is with the use of skylights. Although these types of windows work very well, make sure you choose ones that are double-paned and check that the flashing is done correctly.
Clerestory windows are another way to take advantage of natural light. These windows are short but wide and are positioned high on a wall, this way sunlight can pour into a room in the winter months, adding light and heat. However, it prevents too much sun through the summer months because of the roof overhang.
Another way to add natural light into a dark space is with light tubes. These are coated using a highly reflective material that allows sunlight to channel through them. They are also fitted with a lens designed to amplify low-level light and reduce the intensity of the sun at midday. As daylight enters the home through the tubes it does so through a diffuser that distributes the light evenly.
To summarize, if you are thinking of renovating your home or having one constructed, why not think about incorporating some of these methods, taking advantage of this natural light resource, and at the same time increasing the home's energy efficiency?
Perhaps one of the more common ways to incorporate daylight into a dark space is with the use of skylights. Although these types of windows work very well, make sure you choose ones that are double-paned and check that the flashing is done correctly.
Clerestory windows are another way to take advantage of natural light. These windows are short but wide and are positioned high on a wall, this way sunlight can pour into a room in the winter months, adding light and heat. However, it prevents too much sun through the summer months because of the roof overhang.
Another way to add natural light into a dark space is with light tubes. These are coated using a highly reflective material that allows sunlight to channel through them. They are also fitted with a lens designed to amplify low-level light and reduce the intensity of the sun at midday. As daylight enters the home through the tubes it does so through a diffuser that distributes the light evenly.
To summarize, if you are thinking of renovating your home or having one constructed, why not think about incorporating some of these methods, taking advantage of this natural light resource, and at the same time increasing the home's energy efficiency?
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