There’s a reason why flowers always grow to face the sun. As much as daylight is a source of life for plants and animals, we often forget how important it is for us regular ol’ humans to get a daily dose of Vitamin D. Researchers are discovering the powerful positive effects of living in an environment with plentiful natural light. Including natural light in architectural design is called daylighting, and it offers many benefits.
WHY?
The benefits of natural light range from economic to health. Here are some benefits to incorporating natural light into a luxury home that we found interesting:
On Productivity:
“Scientists at the Lighting Research Center (LRC), in Troy, N.Y. … have reported that daylit environments increase occupant productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms.”
So not only are we way more productive, but we’ll actually get some sleep. This is a win-win, especially for homes that feature a home office or home-based business.
On Energy Consumption:
“Spaces outfitted with daylight-sensing controls can reduce the energy used for electric lighting by 20 percent to 60 percent, according to the studies “Photoelectric Control: The Effectiveness of Techniques to Reduce Switching Frequency” (2001) and “Summertime Performance of an Automated Lighting and Blinds Control System””
We love anything that helps the planet, and less energy consumption boasts financial benefits too.
On Health:
Studies have shown that hospital patients whose rooms face the outdoors recover faster than those whose rooms face a brick wall. Natural light also reduces the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). (source and secondary source)
For real? This one kind of blew our minds.
How?
All of these benefits are great, especially in Ottawa where winters are long and dark. Here are some ideas for daylight design in your luxury or custom home:
- Control the amount of direct sunlight with window orientation and type. In order to easily manipulate natural light, we provide architectural and specialty windows so you can accommodate the type of exposure you need. This can also be done through shades and window features.
- Use picture windows to draw attention to vistas and natural surroundings. Our specialty is custom windows and doors in Ottawa and out of the box architectural solutions. Take advantage of our ability to build any window in any size to offer the best possible views and take advantage of daylighting.
- Be cognizant of which spaces are task oriented or sleep oriented to ensure daylight design makes sense for all occupants.
Working on a custom or luxury home project? We are always on hand to answer any questions you have about incorporating natural light through beautiful windows and doors - give us a call!
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