subject: Building and Lighting [print this page] Building and Lighting Building and Lighting
Well lit rooms are very important for creating a comfortable living space. Providing ample light will make even tiny rooms liveable areas. The general rule of thumb is that a room should have light and ventilation from a window that's a minimum of 10% of the room's floor space. Window placement is critical when shadow from an adjoining building is a problem, as well as when fresh, summer breezes are desired. Windows facing the weather side ought to be heavily draped with curtains and protected by awnings, these windows will consequently not permit much light in. As far as achievable, windows ought to be installed in protected situations so that they're not exposed directly to the elements but at the same time let in light.
Skylights installed in rooms with tiny or south facing windows (in the southern hemisphere) will assist in brightening up the place. Skylights are perfect for internal passageways and over kitchen work benches. They cost nothing to run and might be made into features with the use of coloured or leadlight diffuser panels. Skylights with gas filled double glazing and heat reflective coatings will enable light to come in while keeping heat out. The newest technology sky lights use 'smart glass' which changes shade according to the intensity of light. For internal passageways and rooms you can borrow light by fitting high windows over doors that adjoin rooms that do have a window. This practice is particularly helpful in internal passageways.
Artificial lighting (electric lights) ought to be strategically placed to light up passageways, staircases, decks, patios and work benches. Energy efficient lights must be considered where possible. It is often challenging to balance all these elements within a building's design but with clever planning most conditions can be satisfied. The use of alternative building products and deviation from conventional ideas of what a home will need to be will give you additional design flexibility. You should develop a building that satisfies your (and your family's) requirements. Don't construct four bedrooms, formal and informal areas etc., just because real estate folks tell you that's what the market wants. Construct for your requirements now and in the future. There will be buyers with those same needs if you decide to sell and move on.
