Natural Lighting Strategies

In terms of sustainability, natural lighting is one of the most important tools. The following are five strategies for natural lighting:

1. Window orientation to maximize the benefits of day-lighting. Through the size and location of windows, one can utilize sunlight in many ways. Day-lighting refers to capturing diffused light without compromising comfort and function. This strategy should also enhance the quality of light, depending on the nature of the room involved. However, the issue with day lighting is reduced insulation value. This problem is easily solved by using roof overhangs and by avoiding locating windows on the east and west side of the structure.

2. Use of clerestories. A clerestory is the part of the roof where a windowed section is provided. The ancient natural lighting strategy used mostly in Egyptian architecture is suitable for open plan homes where the ceiling follows the roof line.

3. Consider skylights. Although this strategy is linked to excessive heat gain as well as heat loss in the winter, proper installation can reduce these discomforts and enhance its mainbenefits. Translucent glazing should be used at a minimum. Tubular skylights are a type of skylight that aid in providing natural lighting on areas where windows are not possible because of the elevation or the room’s layout. This type of skylight uses a roof-mounted light collector that can reflect light into a metal or plastic tube, which then guides the diffused sunlight into the interior space.

4. Opt for retractable awnings. This strategy addresses the issue of controlling the intensity ofnatural lighting. In comparison to tinting windows, blinds, and fixed awnings, retractable awnings are far superior to other light diffusing strategies. It provides reduction of heat gain during warm seasons and insulation during winter.

5. Light shelves and louvered window coverings. The focus of this is to bounce out light from direct light sources. This reduces the intensity of the light, while distributing the light to areas where it may otherwise be unable to reach.