TIPS TO MAXIMIZE NATURAL LIGHT WHEN BUILDING A NEW HOME

Sunlight can transform a house. It enlarges spaces and makes them brighter, and enhances your mood and well-being. With proper planning, sunlight can be one of the most valuable features of your home. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Consider smart orientation and window placement

The first step is to consider your home’s orientation. Consider the placement of the main areas, such as the:

Lounge
Kitchen
Dining areas.

These areas should have their backs to the north (southern hemisphere). This way, they will receive the most consistent sunlight during the day. Bedrooms require the morning light. Hence, think of east-facing windows.

At this point, the advice of experienced Sydney home builders can go a long way. They can orient your floor plan with the direction of the sun. They will know where to place your windows so that you can get as much daylight as you can without glare or overheating.

They may also assist you in selecting the correct sizes and kinds of windows to balance:

Light
Privacy
Energy efficiency.

Embrace open-plan living

This is another excellent way of distributing natural light in your house. It is about minimizing the number of unnecessary partitions and walls. Hence, you allow the sunlight to pass through different spaces and even brighten the darkest corners.

Incorporate visual links between rooms using:

Glass doors
Internal windows
Open shelving.

This will enable light to penetrate deeper into the house.

Also, use lighter colours on the:

Walls
Ceilings
Floors.

This will help to reflect the sunlight and increase the overall brightness. Neutral tones make your interiors appear more open.

Use glass strategically

Glass is one of the best materials to bring light inside the house. Consider:

Big windows
Sliding doors
Skylights
Glass balustrades.

These elements can bring a lot of daylight into your living spaces.

Consider clerestory windows. They are also referred to as high-wall windows. They allow light while also providing privacy.

You should also use double-glazed or low-E glass. They reduce energy use without sacrificing sunlight. Placement of glass must be done carefully. It should maximize light during proper times of the day and also reduce heat loss or undesired glare.

Use light-enhancing features

Reflective surfaces and mirrors reflect natural light throughout a room. This brings the illusion of more space. Consider:

Lightly colored timber floors
Polished timber floors
Glossy tiles.

These elements equalize the distribution of sunlight. You can also use internal glass partitions or semi-transparent doors. They will direct light to darker spaces like hallways and bathrooms.

Combine natural and artificial light

The daylight can be abundant. However, a house still requires artificial light for evenings and cloudy days. A professional electrician in Bankstown can help you to integrate artificial light fixtures seamlessly. The fixtures should complement the natural light. This will brighten key spaces without crowding the room. A professional will also ensure proper installation of outlets and switches. This will make your home safe and convenient.