How to Design Homes to Increase Natural Light
Is there anything better than curling up in a sunbeam like a cat? Add a cup of tea and a good book to the equation, and that’s the recipe for a perfect afternoon. Homes built in the last few decades aren’t designed with natural light in mind, but many homeowners are expressing their preference for sunlight instead of artificial lighting. How can architects and design professionals create homes to increase natural light?
Photo by Josh Hemsley
Making Windows Larger
This suggestion might seem like the most straightforward answer. Making windows larger, either by replacing existing panes or designing a new home with large windows, will provide more natural light.
The only problem lies in the location of the house. Many homes, especially in areas prone to severe weather like hurricanes or tornadoes, might benefit from smaller windows that are easier to protect with storm shutters. In this case, work with the homeowner to determine the perfect balance between natural light and durability.
Additional options, such as storm shutters, storm-resistant windows, or even storm film, can help protect the panes from damage if Mother Nature decides to throw a fit.
Adding Skylights or Sunpipes
Adding extra natural light to the home has many benefits beyond reducing the homeowner’s reliance on artificial light. Exposure to natural sunlight helps the human body process Vitamin D, a necessary nutrient. In northern latitudes, extra sunlight can help reduce the seriousness and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or SAD.
One often overlooked tool for increasing the amount of natural light in a space is the addition of skylights. These are easier to install during the construction process but can be added to existing structures. They work for flat and pitched roofs and can deliver three times more natural light than vertically oriented windows. If skylights aren’t an option, installing sun pipes – narrow mirrored pipes that capture and disperse sunlight – can help bring natural light into every room, even if there are no existing windows.
Choosing Direction Carefully
The size of the window is only one variable an architect or designer needs to consider when creating a home with more natural light. What direction do the windows face, and how does the sun move over the house?
Windows facing east or west will only get direct natural light for about half the day. They’ll get direct sunlight, making them ideal for plants, but it could cause the attached rooms to get very warm.
Windows facing north generally don’t get a lot of direct sunlight but can still provide some excellent even lighting.
South-facing windows will get more direct sunlight throughout the day. While this can make it easier to keep the home well-lit, it can also make that side of the house significantly warmer.
Paying Attention to Each Room
The amount of natural sunlight a homeowner desires will likely vary from room to room. Bright and direct sunlight in the living room or kitchen might be ideal, but that same natural light in the bedroom – especially with east-facing or south-facing windows – could be problematic for those who like to sleep in.
Work with the homeowner to create a plethora of natural light that they’ll enjoy without leaving them grabbing for the blackout curtains as soon as the sun rises.
Making the Most of It
In rooms without windows, if skylights and sun pipes aren’t an option, designers can still take steps to make the most of the space and ensure it is well lit. Simple steps, like reducing clutter, making the room appear darker, and opting for light-colored or reflective paint can help spread the light around, allowing homeowners to make the most of even the darkest corners of their home.
Mirrors can also reflect light, making the space appear brighter. They can even create the illusion of a larger area, giving the room a more open feel.
Enjoy the Natural Light
Adding natural light to a home helps cut utility costs by reducing the number of artificial lights that illuminate the space. Getting enough exposure to natural light also has physical and mental health benefits, including helping to treat the symptoms of SAD.
Engineers and designers should work with homeowners to determine the perfect ratio of natural light for each room. It will largely depend on each person’s preferences, but there are plenty of options to suit everyone’s needs.
Author: Evelyn Long is a writer and editor-in-chief for Renovated, a web magazine for the home industry. Her work focuses on design and construction tactics for industry professionals.
