| Deseret Morning News, Friday, July 8, 2005
Capitalize on views and natural light
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon
Everyone
knows that curb appeal, or what you experience as you look at
a house from the outside, is an important aspect of a home's
architecture. But did you know that what you experience from
the inside of your house looking out is even more important?
This dining room received little natural light and did not
take full advantage of the view of the backyard.
Renovation Group |
While you may not be able to control the exterior environment
of your home — the sun is always going to set in the west
and your neighbor may always stow his garbage cans in a spot
outside your living room — you can control what you do
or don't see from inside your house by working with the placement
and size or your home's windows.
For example, last week we met with a client
whose home has marvelous view opportunities of Mount Olympus
on the east. Trouble is, you'd never know it when you're inside
the house because there are no east-facing windows. We suggested
adding a pitched gable roof to her living and dining rooms on
the east side of the house, which will allow the addition of
large, tall windows and stunning views of the mountain.
Another way to capitalize on good views
and natural light is to enlarge the windows you already have.
Skylights and solar tubes are other good options for bringing
in natural light if it is not possible to have a window in the
area you'd like to brighten.
You can also prioritize which rooms you
want to have your home's best view and light, such as gathering
areas that everyone uses, then rearrange the floor plan accordingly.
For example, we converted a small, back bedroom in one client's
home into a great room off the kitchen, then increased the window
space on the back wall. This brought into the great room an
engaging view of the woodsy backyard and wonderful natural light.
If you want to make an addition to your
home, be sure and plan it so that it takes advantage of the
natural light and best view options.
Keep in mind that you can also make nice
views from your home by creating attractive exterior landscaping,
trellises, fountains, and so forth. Look out your windows to
determine the best focal points to place such features.
Widening and extending the room and pitching its roof made
possible the addition of large windows, which allow plenty
of natural light and an attractive view.
Renovation Group |
What can you do if there is too much natural light coming
into your home, or a view that you don't want, such as a view
of an alley?
Because windows on the west contribute
the most heat gain to a home, keep them to a minimum if you're
planning an addition. However, if the west side is where your
view is, you might want to use window glass coatings or other
shading devices.
If you want to minimize a view you don't
want, such as of an alley, consider glass block windows or windows
placed higher up on the wall. Both of these options will let
in natural light without exposing an unwanted view.
Architects
Ann Robinson, AIA, and Annie Vernon, AIA, welcome your design
questions at Ask@RenovationDesignGroup.com.
Robinson and Vernon are founding principals of Renovation
Design Group, a local architectural firm specializing in residential
remodeling design.
To register for "Designing a Remodel with Character &
Class," call 533-5331 or click
here for details.
© 2005 Deseret News
Publishing Company |
