Clerestory Windows Are Tops at Ushering in Light
Save on electricity and lift your mood with more natural light when you add clerestory windows at the top of your home's walls
I write about interior design and architecture, and take what I learn into my own home (you may find me sanding and painting a kitchen table on the weekends). You can find my articles, published in Apartment Therapy, Architect, Eco-Structure, GRAY, Preservation, The Washington Post and more, at lindseymroberts.com.
I write about interior design and architecture, and take what I learn into... More »
My husband and I recently moved from an apartment that got no direct daylight to an apartment that has direct daylight for at least half the day, if not more. The difference is routine changing, if not life changing.
Now I'm getting up with the sun early in the morning, naturally (no alarm clock), and that helps me go to bed at a decent hour. It's also no longer depressing to work from home — we're saving money by taking fewer trips to Starbucks just to get out of the apartment.
And although I haven't seen a new utility bill, I'm positive we're going to be saving money by using less electricity for light.
The benefits of natural light simply cannot be overstated, and there are many ways to get it into your home. For one, CalFinder, a nationwide remodeling company, says that if you install enough clerestory windows — those shallow panes of glass at the top of a wall — your home may not need electricity during the day. And you may need less central air conditioning, especially in temperate climates that cool down in the evening.
Like all renovation or new construction projects, it's good to talk to the professionals before you make any big decisions, but here are some examples of how clerestory windows work to get you started.
Now I'm getting up with the sun early in the morning, naturally (no alarm clock), and that helps me go to bed at a decent hour. It's also no longer depressing to work from home — we're saving money by taking fewer trips to Starbucks just to get out of the apartment.
And although I haven't seen a new utility bill, I'm positive we're going to be saving money by using less electricity for light.
The benefits of natural light simply cannot be overstated, and there are many ways to get it into your home. For one, CalFinder, a nationwide remodeling company, says that if you install enough clerestory windows — those shallow panes of glass at the top of a wall — your home may not need electricity during the day. And you may need less central air conditioning, especially in temperate climates that cool down in the evening.
Like all renovation or new construction projects, it's good to talk to the professionals before you make any big decisions, but here are some examples of how clerestory windows work to get you started.
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| When you're considering adding clerestory windows for more natural daylight, also consider how much heat you want to add. Clerestory windows on the south-facing side of your house will generate more warmth from the sun in winter. The clerestory windows on this retreat by Finne Architects in the Cascade Mountains in eastern Washington not only add light and heat during the snowy season, but also visually lift the roof. This prevents the building from looking too top heavy, especially when it's piled with snow. |
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A low-emissivity coating to also will reduce heat loss.
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| If you want to reduce heat, do the reverse: Install clerestory windows on the north side of your home, which will allow natural light in during the cooler part of the day. You can also install them wherever tree shade will filter direct sunlight. Consider installing clerestory windows in unexpected locations for maximum natural daylight. For example, the clerestory windows on this garden shed by BMF Construction reduce the shed's reliance on electric light. |
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| Also consider adding clerestory windows between rooms. In this project by Furman + Keil Architects, the windows transfer daylight from the bedroom into the adjacent room. |
by Tracy Stone AIA
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Clerestory windows in a bathroom can be installed instead of (or in addition to) tubular daylighting devices as a way to bring natural light in.
As just one part of a whole-house daylighting strategy, clerestory windows can help save 75 percent of the energy used for lighting.
As just one part of a whole-house daylighting strategy, clerestory windows can help save 75 percent of the energy used for lighting.
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by RWA Architects
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| Clerestory windows set high on the wall are often protected by roof overhangs, which allow winter sun in but protect the home from summer-sun heat. Retractable awnings can offer the best of both worlds, suggests the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors: When they're retracted, the home receives more heat and light during the winter; when they're out, they protect the home from summer sun. |
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| Without any windows, this kitchen would be dark, despite the white cupboards. If regular windows were added, cabinet space would be lost. Clerestory windows are the perfect solution here. And when windows such as these are operable, they can also save cooling costs in the summer by allowing hot air to rise and escape. |
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| Tell us: Do you have enough natural light in your home? More: Energy-Efficient Windows: Decipher the Ratings Tubular Daylighting Devices Bring in More Light Energy-Efficient Windows: Understand the Parts The High Life: Clerestory Windows Bathe in the Light of Clerestory Windows |
Ideabook published on May 25, 2012.
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This is an excellent piece concerning my favorite natural lighting strategy, clerestory windows. Many of my clients do not turn on any lights during the daytime hours---the ultimate in energy savings. We also often add motor operated clerestories for venting warm air during summer months. A few final points: the natural light from a clerestory is quite soft and diffuse, especially if the clerestory faces north. The light reaches much deeper into a room since it starts from a high point; just think of the light in Vermeer paintings!
Best,
Nils Finne,AIA
FINNE Architects
Seattle
Nils Finne
FINNE Architects