Optimizing daylight reduces reliance on artificial lighting, lowers energy bills, and boosts mood by increasing exposure to natural light.
Maximizing daylight and views in your living spaces offers numerous profound benefits. Natural light is a priceless commodity, providing an unparalleled brightness and color spectrum that promotes happiness and productivity. When designed right, it can also minimize your reliance on artificial lighting, reducing energy costs and carbon footprint. Views, especially those of nature, have been scientifically proven to lower stress levels and enhance mental health. They establish a strong connection with the environment, reinforcing a sense of peace and wellbeing. These elements together not only improve your daily living experience but also contribute to a sustainable future. Don’t underestimate the power of daylight and views. Incorporate them into your design strategy and unlock a more energy-efficient, healthier, and fulfilling lifestyle.
Examples
1Skylights
Introduce light from above, useful in rooms lacking window space.
2Solar Tube
A device that funnels light from your roof to a dark interior area.
3Light Shelves
Horizontal surfaces that reflect daylight deep into a room.
4Large Windows
Enhance natural light and provide expansive views.
5Transparent Doors
Enable more daylight while connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
6Clerestory Windows
High-placed windows allow light in without compromising privacy.
7Open Floor Plan
Minimizes obstructions for light and view.
8Window Treatments
Control light levels and glare, affecting both comfort and views.
9Reflective Surfaces
Walls, ceilings, and floors can be used to bounce light deeper into a space.
Pros
- Energy Efficiency & Cost Saving: Maximizing daylight reduces reliance on artificial light, contributing to lower energy consumption and costs. Compared to energy-consuming light fixtures, natural light is a free, renewable resource.
- Health & Wellbeing: Daylight helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality, mood, and productivity. Views, especially of nature, have restorative effects on mental health. In contrast, artificially lit environments can negatively impact wellbeing.
- Health & Wellbeing: A well-lit home with strategic views enhances the overall aesthetic and can increase property value. Dark spaces or obstructed views are often less desirable.
Cons
- Heat Gain & Loss: Without careful planning and use of energy-efficient materials, large windows can result in unwanted heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, compared to well-insulated walls.
- Privacy:
Greater exposure may compromise privacy, depending on the home’s location and window treatments used.
- Construction & Maintenance Costs:
Installing large windows, skylights, or solar tubes can be more expensive initially than traditional wall construction and may require additional costs for cleaning and maintenance.
Costs
1New Construction
When integrating daylighting and views into a new construction project, it’s common to see a premium of 2-10% over standard practice. This includes factors such as architectural design fees, increased costs for larger or more energy-efficient windows, and potentially specialty items like skylights or light tubes. For a $300,000 house, that’s an extra $6,000 – $30,000. Over time, energy cost savings and potential increase in property value can offset these costs.
2Existing Home - Contractor
If you’re hiring a contractor for an existing home, installing a new window can range from $1,500 to $7,000 depending on the window type, size, and any necessary structural alterations. A skylight, including installation, typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000.
3Existing Home - DIY
For DIY enthusiasts, a window itself might cost $300 to $1,000, while a skylight could range from $200 to $500. Remember, these costs don’t account for any necessary tools or potential mistakes that could happen during installation.
Hiring Pros
- Use Trusted Websites: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Check Credentials: Ensure the professional is licensed and certified. If they have certifications like LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), it’s an indication they are versed in sustainable practices.
- Review Portfolio: Their past work should align with your vision and demonstrate a clear ability to effectively incorporate natural light and views.
- Ask for References: Contact previous clients to assess their satisfaction with the professional’s services, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from at least three professionals to ensure you’re receiving competitive pricing for the services offered. Make sure you understand what’s included in the quote to avoid unexpected expenses later.
Do It Yourself
- Educate Yourself: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Plan Carefully: Map out your space, considering the sun’s path, to decide the best places to enhance daylight and views.
- Use the Right Tools & Materials: Invest in quality tools and materials, such as energy-efficient windows and solar tubes, to ensure longevity and effectiveness.
- Consider Energy Efficiency: Be mindful of potential heat loss or gain through windows. Use energy-efficient windows, shading devices, and insulation to counter this.
- Safety First: Home renovation can be dangerous. Ensure you understand the safety procedures for each task, including handling glass and working on roofs. If a task seems risky, consider hiring a professional.
Tips for Renters
Looking for a Rental:
1Prioritize Orientation and Window Placement
Look for rentals with ample windows facing south in cooler climates and north in warmer climates for optimal light and thermal comfort. Consider the size and placement of windows to ensure plenty of natural light and attractive views.
2Evaluate the Floor Plan
Open floor plans typically allow better daylight penetration. Also, consider the position of potential obstructions like adjacent buildings or large interior structures. Remember, while viewing potential rentals, visit during different times of the day to assess the natural light and view quality.
3Check Window Quality
High-quality, energy-efficient windows can provide better insulation and comfort. Additionally, check for effective window treatments that can help manage light levels and provide privacy.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Holistic Approach to Daylighting
In designing, consider the building’s orientation, surrounding context, window size, and placement for optimal daylight utilization. Integrate daylighting strategies, like clerestory windows, skylights, light shelves, and reflective surfaces, into the design from the onset.
2Incorporate Views Purposefully
Views should not be afterthoughts but part of the overall design strategy. Aim for meaningful views that are restorative and offer a connection with the outside world.
3Energy Modeling
Use simulation tools to analyze and optimize daylighting, energy performance, and thermal comfort. This predictive analysis can guide the design process, making it more precise and efficient.
For the Builder:
1Quality Installation
Properly installing windows, skylights, and other daylighting components is crucial for preventing issues like air leaks and thermal bridging, which can undermine energy performance and occupant comfort.
2Collaborate with the Design Team
Keep communication open and ongoing with the design team. Any changes in construction can impact daylighting and views, and hence need their input.
3Material Management
Use high-quality materials that match the design specifications. For instance, for windows and glazing, ensure correct specifications regarding energy efficiency, visible light transmittance, and solar heat gain coefficient. These can significantly affect the project’s energy performance and the quality of daylight.
1Holistic Approach to Daylighting
In designing, consider the building’s orientation, surrounding context, window size, and placement for optimal daylight utilization. Integrate daylighting strategies, like clerestory windows, skylights, light shelves, and reflective surfaces, into the design from the onset.
1Quality Installation
Properly installing windows, skylights, and other daylighting components is crucial for preventing issues like air leaks and thermal bridging, which can undermine energy performance and occupant comfort.
2Incorporate Views Purposefully
Views should not be afterthoughts but part of the overall design strategy. Aim for meaningful views that are restorative and offer a connection with the outside world.
2Collaborate with the Design Team
Keep communication open and ongoing with the design team. Any changes in construction can impact daylighting and views, and hence need their input.
3Energy Modeling
Use simulation tools to analyze and optimize daylighting, energy performance, and thermal comfort. This predictive analysis can guide the design process, making it more precise and efficient.
3Material Management
Use high-quality materials that match the design specifications. For instance, for windows and glazing, ensure correct specifications regarding energy efficiency, visible light transmittance, and solar heat gain coefficient. These can significantly affect the project’s energy performance and the quality of daylight.
Resources
Books:
“Daylighting and Integrated Lighting Design” by Christopher Meek and Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg.
“Daylighting Design in the Pacific Northwest” by Christopher Meek and Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg.
Websites:
- Building Green, Inc: Doing Daylighting Right: https://www.buildinggreen.com/feature/doing-daylighting-right
- U.S. Department of Energy: Daylighting: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/daylighting
