THE BEST METHODS FOR THE DESIGN STAGE
INSTALL A SKYLIGHT
Skylights are a popular architectural feature for those looking to increase their natural light intake, and get an extra angle of the outdoors, too. These are panes of glass installed in the roof or ceiling, allowing natural light to pour into the interior spaces from above.
These are an excellent solution for rooms that lack sufficient natural light due to the positioning of traditional windows. Adding a skylight to your space allows light to travel into spaces where they couldn’t otherwise, making it a very versatile tool.
Skylights can also contribute to passive solar heating by allowing sunlight to enter and warm your home, even in the colder months. This helps to reduce your heating bills throughout the year. These modern design features will certainly make your self-build stand out.
ADD A SUN TUBE
Looking for a cost-effective solution to increasing your natural light? Look no further than a sun tube.
Sun tubes, also known as solar tubes or sun tunnels are an innovative solution to increasing natural light in areas that can’t be reached with traditional windows. They consist of a dome that captures sunlight on the roof, a reflective tube that channels the light, and a diffuser that disperses the light evenly into the interior space.
Sun tubes are generally less expensive to install than traditional skylights, and your architect can integrate a sun tube into your design with ease. The installation process for sun tubes is straightforward and can usually be completed in a few hours. These provide a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to bring natural light into the darkest corners of your home.
ORIENTATE YOUR HOME
The orientation of your home plays a crucial role in determining the amount and quality of natural light that enters your home, as different orientations receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the day.
Before construction, thoroughly assess the site to identify the best views. Consider the natural features and position key living areas, such as the living room, to look out over them. Your architect can help you with this.
As the UK sits in the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows will receive the most sunlight. This not only increases your intake of natural light but also makes your spaces warmer, which is crucial in the winter months when sunlight is scarce. This doesn’t mean every window has to face southwards, but make sure to use larger windows or sliding doors on south-facing sides to maximise your natural light.
INCREASE THE SIZE OF YOUR WINDOWS
Increasing the size of your windows is another effective way to make the most out of your view. Larger windows can make a space feel transformed, brightening dark corners and capturing the outdoors from a wider range of angles throughout the day. Larger windows also provide a wider, more panoramic view of the outside, allowing you to see more of your surroundings.
For existing buildings, the ability to enlarge your windows depends on several factors, including your personal preferences and the placement of existing windows. The right window company should be able to give you more glass space without affecting your buildings envelope. It’s never a bad idea to consult an engineer to assess the structural implications of increasing the size of your windows, too.
Enlarging your windows is a surefire solution to making the most of our rare sunny days.
CONSIDER YOUR DOORS
We’ve talked about windows, but what about your doors? Glazed doors, which are doors fitted with glass panels, significantly enhance natural light in a home by allowing light to pass from one space to another with ease. Even removing interior doors entirely can help light to pass from one area to another.
When used as exterior doors, glazed doors can provide a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Especially effective if you’ve designed your outdoor landscape to integrate with the rest of your home.
THE BEST METHODS POST CONSTRUCTION
PAINT IT WHITE
Regarding your interior, your choice of paint should complement your natural light intake to create a bright and welcoming space during the day.
White paint has highly reflective properties, meaning it reflects a significant portion of the light that hits it. This helps to bounce natural light around the room making your space appear brighter and more open. White walls can also complement your other natural light-enhancing elements, such as mirrors and glossy surfaces.
A glossy finish will certainly help to reflect natural light. However, the overuse of gloss can create a glaring effect on sunnier days, which is far from welcoming. Balancing gloss with other finishes can be an effective solution to increasing natural light while still giving you the freedom to choose your desired colours.
Once you’ve done your painting, darker furniture can help to bring balance to your space and ensure a warm living space rather than a cold and clinical feel.
REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE
This might seem simple, but rearranging your furniture can significantly enhance the amount of natural light that enters your home, and it’s really easy to do.
Ensure that your standout furniture pieces such as sofas or large cabinets and bookcases are not placed in front of windows, which creates a greater view and allows more light to enter the room unobstructed. You can also arrange furniture to create clear pathways for light to travel through the room. An open layout allows light to spread more evenly and reach farther into the space.
The ‘minimalist’ approach may be slightly overused term these days, but it’s a great way to get rid of that cluttered feeling. Thoughtfully rearranging your furniture with these strategies in mind, you can optimise the natural light in your home and create a better connection with the outdoors.
CURTAIN CALL
It’s common knowledge that the right curtains can complement your space, but if your curtains are too heavy or dark, they will limit the level of natural light and block your outside view.
Installing sheer curtains (also known as window veils) or slatted blinds can enhance natural light in your home while maintaining privacy and adding a touch of elegance to your interior design. Sheer curtains can diffuse light while also giving you some privacy and creating a clean and welcoming space.
USE YOUR MIRRORS
Now it’s time for some reflection. Mirrors can amplify the existing natural light in your space by bouncing the light into areas it wouldn’t originally reach. Be strategic in the way you place them by finding out the areas that receive the least sunlight.
Mirrors are great for hallways and bedrooms but can really be placed anywhere you see fit. They can also be used as decorative elements that not only enhance light but also add to the aesthetic appeal of a room.
Not just mirrors, but all reflective surfaces can help to move natural light around your spaces from photo frames to kitchen tiles. Each tiny surface comes together to bounce the light around your home and make your space feel brighter.
Incorporating your surroundings into your self-build spaces is a practical way create a welcoming environment throughout all seasons. Not only that, but naturally lit homes also reduce the need for artificial lighting which knocks your utility bills down a peg or two.
Every detail and decision can affect how much natural light you take in, from the size and placement of windows, the positioning of furniture, and even the colour of your walls.
There are countless strategies to improve how you take in the views, but it all comes down to one factor. Smart and thoughtful design. By integrating these techniques such as these into your design, you'll create a home that's bright and beautiful!
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