To achieve true architectural balance in building design, it’s important always to incorporate natural light where possible. Natural light in our spaces—where we live, work, learn, and more—offers a long list of benefits that extend far beyond those of simple practicality. A successful architect will use the incorporation of natural light in their designs to enhance and improve not just the building, but the well-being of its users, too.
In the context of modern building design, the strategic use of natural light is for illuminating spaces, enhancing aesthetics, and improving the well-being of users, all while positively impacting the environment. The introduction of natural light is done through careful and considered glass placement, light reflection, and other architectural elements to allow an intentional amount of daylight to spill into interior spaces.
Studies have shown that natural light can have a powerful effect on humans, from supporting serotonin production and lifting moods to satisfying our innate need to connect with nature. Because of these benefits and more, natural light is an essential part of successful modern architecture.
There are many benefits to introducing natural light into a space through building design and architectural elements.
More natural light means less reliance on powered artificial light. Reducing the use of overhead lights and lamps lowers energy consumption and, therefore, electricity bills for the building, saving money.
Using less electricity to power artificial lighting has a positive impact on the environment, especially if the building’s power is managed by an energy company that uses fossil fuels. Plenty of daylight means fewer lights switched on and a more eco-friendly, sustainable building that plays a part in fewer carbon emissions.
Natural light spilling into rooms immediately enhances the visual appeal of the space. Whether streaming through tall windows or filling rooms via skylights, natural light offers a brighter, more welcoming space that instantly feels more attractive.
We perceive depth through highlights and shadows. If a room is more shadowed, the human eye and brain understand this to feel more shallow, as the depth is greatly increased. With more light filling the room, shadows fade and the more significant depths they create are reduced, leaving us with a sense of openness in the space.
Many studies over the years have shown how increased natural light can have a wide range of positive effects on a person’s well-being. Here is what increased exposure to daylight can support:
Sunlight is very stimulating for the mind, which leads to improved focus and alertness. All of this combined can lead to greater productivity and concentration levels, which is especially important in work and school settings.
Biophilia, which translates from New Latin to ‘love of life’, is the innate desire in humans to connect with nature and other living things. This intrinsic tendency is why we typically feel a sense of contentment or peace when we’re outside in natural landscapes or surrounded by plants. A space filled with natural light pouring in can help satisfy this innate need within us. Introducing plenty of natural light is known as a biophilic design element in architecture.
A brighter, comfortable, and more visually appealing interior space will always contribute to a higher property value. When you factor in all of the above benefits, a building instantly becomes more attractive to buyers, supporting an increased asking price during property transactions.
Designing for natural light in buildings means maximising the amount of incoming light through a range of architectural features. However, there is an art to the introduction of natural light, as with all design decisions. Too much light in certain spaces can be detrimental, resulting in issues such as eye strain, glare, overly warm temperatures, and even disrupted sleep cycles. Because of the risks, there is a balance that must be found when designing natural light systems in buildings, from our homes to our hospitals.
Let’s look at some of the techniques and design elements architects use to create illuminated spaces.
Windows are the most common method of introducing abundant daylight indoors. Large windows with minimal framing are ideal for maximising the surface area of the glass and therefore the amount of light, but if the design approach calls for more intricate windows, then strategic placement is utilised.
Doors leading to the outside, as well as internal doors, are an excellent way of letting in more light. Sliding glass doors allow for unobstructed light to spill into rooms, while choosing glass as the material for interior doors makes continuous light flow from room to room possible.
Especially useful for when windows are either difficult to incorporate into a design or are poorly oriented in the existing structure, skylights allow for direct sunlight from above. Skylights only work in rooms directly below a roof, but when possible, they are a fantastic opportunity to introduce light where it would otherwise be impossible or weak.
Sun tunnels are incredible tools for bringing natural light into rooms with attic space above them that would otherwise make skylights impossible.
A sun tunnel consists of a metal tube with a highly reflective interior, a roof fitting, and a lens-style piece for the ceiling. The roof fitting comes in a range of designs, such as glass domes on fixtures that protrude slightly from the roof, and flat frames with glass screens that lie level with the roof’s surface material. Daylight enters the fitting, is reflected down the tube, then leaves at the bottom through a lens that filters the light to reduce its harshness. This is an innovative element used in architectural design, perfect for smaller rooms like bathrooms and large storage cupboards that may not benefit from windows.
Sun tunnels work best when the tube is fewer than 20 feet and as straight as possible, but curves and corners still allow for plenty of natural light. A common further step is to install a solar light within the tube – it will charge all day in the sunlight, then function during the hours after sunset when switched on.
When possible, incorporating glass into roofs can create both a stunning aesthetic effect and allow for ample sunlight to fill a space. There are a number of beautiful glass roof features to explore when designing buildings, from impressive, three-dimensional glass lanterns for flat roofs to beautiful yet practical sliding roof windows that bring the outdoors in and allow natural ventilation.
Whether floor-to-ceiling windows or interior partitions, glass walls exist without the obstructions of frames, maximising the surface area for ample light. When thoughtfully placed and using the right materials, an exterior-facing glass wall can offer interesting or beautiful views while welcoming in light without creating uncomfortable temperatures. Architects, building designers, and interior designers understand how to work with glass walls, designing and building spaces that best utilise them to avoid heat and glare.
Glass walls are a popular choice in office environments. Instead of meeting rooms and management offices created with opaque building materials, soundproof glass fronts allow light to flow both into and out of these rooms, as well as maintaining privacy and providing the illusion of larger areas.
While glass balustrades may seem like a small detail, they have the power to enable continuous light through rooms and connections. Instead of using materials for staircase or balcony barriers that block light, glass can be used to remove those obstructions. In buildings that don’t have an open plan design, the spaces that house staircases can often be very dark, despite windows or skylights. By introducing glass balustrades, any light that does enter these spaces has the chance to flow through and fill the space to make it brighter and give the illusion of more space.
Beyond physical elements such as windows and roof lanterns, light can be ensured through broader design decisions. Creating open-plan spaces is an example of this. Without the constant obstruction of walls, light will have an uninterrupted journey through the space, be it an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area, or a large office floor.
Another more general technique to ensure plenty of natural light reaches living, working, and learning spaces is to consider the orientation of those rooms. Designing a building where the most-used spaces face south means they’ll receive the most natural light throughout the day. If a room tends to see more usage during late afternoons and evenings, such as the kitchen of a family home, then orienting this room to the west is ideal. If a space needs less direct sunlight, such as art studios or computer labs, these rooms could face north. Architects will take the time to understand the needs and wants of their clients to efficiently design structures or spaces that suit their specific requirements for natural light.
Encorporating reflective surfaces and design elements helps to enhance any existing natural light in the building. Light will bounce off these materials to reach further and deeper into rooms, illuminating them and creating a brighter, more open atmosphere. Mirrors, glossy tiles, highly polished floors, and metals such as chrome and stainless steel can all be utilised in reflecting light.
Here at Wincer Kievenaar, we believe natural light is a significant factor in a well-designed building. From family homes to bustling schools, ample natural light is essential, benefiting everyone who uses and dwells in them. Reduced energy consumption, enhanced well-being, and beautifully illuminated spaces are all products of thoughtful building design that utilises and elevates natural light.
Our architects use natural light carefully in their plans to ensure only the very best results to suit your goals. Reach out to our team today to begin your journey with us.
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