![]() Strategically placed lighting can make any space in a home warm and inviting. To do this, perhaps you automatically think of using electrical lighting, but, is it possible to incorporate daylight to brighten up the space? Because this is a method that uses natural light to brighten up a space, it also saves on energy costs. What are some of the methods used for incorporating daylighting in a home? There are several ways that daylighting can be used to illuminate a dark area. One of the more commonly known methods is with the use of skylights. These can add a great deal of light to a dark space, just remember that if you do decide to install them, choose double-paned windows, and make sure the flashing is done properly. Another method of incorporating natural light into a home is with light tubes. These tubes are coated with a highly reflective material designed to channel sunlight through them. They also have a lens that amplifies low-level light and reduces the sunlight’s intensity at midday. As daylight enters the home's interior space, it does so through a diffuser that evenly distributes this light. Clerestory windows are yet another way to use natural light to your advantage. Positioned high on a wall, these short but wide windows allow sunlight to pour into a room during winter months, increasing light and heat but, at the same time, the roof overhang prevents too much sun during the summer. If you are having a house built or renovating your present property, why not think about incorporating daylighting into the design and increase the home's energy efficiency at the same time? |
AuthorPARKER AND WEST ENGINEERING, PLLC. Archives
February 2021
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