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Natural light plays a vital role in our daily lives, and exposure to sunlight is essential for maintaining optimal health. Fortunately, there are effective ways to bring more natural light into our homes, enhancing both our living spaces and our well-being.
Shown: VELUX No Leak “Fresh Air” Skylight with Light-Filtering Blinds in Misty Brown
A View From Above
Skylights are a cost-effective way to transform interior spaces with natural light and bring in a breath of fresh air. For example, Sun Tunnel skylights make it possible to bring light into even the deepest interior rooms. Read on for the ways we incorporated both skylights and Sun Tunnels to brighten up this seaside cottage and take advantage of that ocean breeze.
Looking down at our 2020 Idea House, you’ll notice skylights and Sun Tunnels strategically installed on the east roof plane. This placement capitalizes on the abundant morning sunshine, ensuring that the interior spaces are bathed in natural light from the early hours of the day.
The VELUX No-Leak “Fresh Air” Skylights we chose feature advanced LoE3 glass, which offers superior energy efficiency, higher visible light transmittance, and improved solar heat gain performance. These skylights are designed with a lower roof profile and neutral gray color, allowing them to blend seamlessly with most roof materials and colors.
Complementing the skylights, the Sun Tunnel skylights boast a low-profile design that creates a sleek appearance on the roofline. This combination of skylights and Sun Tunnels not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our cottage but also significantly improves its energy efficiency and overall comfort.
Watch as the Cape Associates team installs a no-leak skylight to ensure a tight, secure seal.
Skylights Above the Living Area
Through thoughtful design choices, we created an illusion of spaciousness in our modest 432-square-foot rental unit. The living area features a vaulted ceiling, solar-powered skylights, and French doors leading to the patio, all of which contribute to a more expansive feel.
A pair of skylights in this space are equipped with factory-installed solar-powered blinds, offering both functionality and style. These blinds are available in over 75 colors and patterns, allowing homeowners to coordinate them with any decor style. Combining natural light from the skylights and the ability to control it with the blinds creates a versatile and comfortable living space.
Shown: VELUX No Leak “Fresh Air” Skylight with Light-Filtering Blinds in Wavy White
A Closer Look at Solar-Powered Skylights
The solar-powered No Leak “Fresh Air” Skylight by VELUX features a solar panel that captures available daylight and uses it to recharge a highly efficient, fully concealed battery-powered operator and control system. This innovative design ensures that the skylight can function efficiently without relying on traditional power sources.
For those looking to take their home automation to the next level, the optional VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO system offers advanced features. This system connects to an online weather station and utilizes indoor climate sensors to measure temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. Based on this data, it can proactively open the skylight to improve air quality or extend the blinds to prevent heat buildup on hot days. Additionally, rain sensors automatically close the skylight at the first sign of inclement weather, providing peace of mind when you’re away from home.
Skylights in the Sleeping Nook
Waking up to natural light can significantly improve your mood and energy levels for the day ahead. In our sleeping nook, we installed a skylight outfitted with a solar-powered blind that can be manually adjusted via remote control. This feature allows occupants to customize their sleeping environment to their preferences.
The blinds are available in light-filtering or room-darkening models, providing options for personalized comfort. Light-filtering blinds soften the incoming light, creating a gentle ambiance, while room-darkening blinds offer near-complete light blockage for those who prefer a darker sleeping environment or need to rest during daylight hours.
Fresh Air in the Maker’s Workshop
In the workshop area of our cottage, we installed a pair of solar-powered skylights featuring light-diffusing blinds. These can be controlled to suit individual lighting needs, allowing makers to adjust the natural light based on their current project or time of day.
One key benefit of these skylights in a workshop setting is their ability to open. This allows fresh air to circulate while ventilating any fumes or odors from paints, adhesives, or other materials used in various projects. This feature not only improves air quality but also creates a more comfortable and healthier working environment for the maker.
Shown: VELUX No Leak “Fresh Air” Skylight with Light-Filtering Blinds in Infinite Gray
Sun Tunnel Skylights
When traditional skylights aren’t feasible due to structural limitations or when a sky view isn’t necessary, Sun Tunnel skylights offer an excellent alternative. These innovative devices are designed to bring natural light into spaces where conventional skylights can’t be installed.
Sun Tunnels consist of a lens mounted on the roof, connected to a highly reflective aluminum tunnel that runs through the attic to a diffuser in the ceiling below. This design allows natural light to be channeled into interior spaces effectively. One of the major advantages of Sun Tunnels is their quick and easy installation process, which can typically be completed in as little as two hours.
Sun Tunnels can reach areas where larger skylights aren’t practical, making them ideal for tight spaces. They come in flexible and rigid versions, adding further customization to cater to specific layout needs. Reflective tubes ensure that as much sunlight as possible reaches the room, and diffusers spread the light evenly for balanced illumination.
Shown: From outside, VELUX Sun Tunnel skylights are low profile and unobtrusive
Lightening up the Powder Room
Natural light can be scarce in windowless interior rooms like powder rooms. Sun Tunnels offer an ideal solution, bringing in a welcome burst of daylight that can transform these small spaces. The addition of natural light not only makes the room feel more spacious but also improves its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
For added versatility, Sun Tunnels can be equipped with an optional solar-powered night light. This feature provides a soft, moon-like glow during nighttime hours, enhancing the room’s usability and ambiance. As an added benefit, this solar-powered option may make the product eligible for a federal solar tax credit on both the product and installation costs.
Shown: Sun Tunnel Skylight by VELUX
A Brighter Master Bath
In our master bathroom, we utilized a Sun Tunnel skylight to provide balanced natural light in the vanity area. This addition not only brightens the space but also improves its overall ambiance. The sleek design of the Sun Tunnel is flush to the ceiling, creating a polished and modern look that integrates seamlessly with the room’s decor.
The natural light provided by the Sun Tunnel is particularly beneficial in a bathroom setting. It offers better color rendering for grooming tasks and creates a more inviting atmosphere. The diffused light from the Sun Tunnel also helps to reduce shadows, providing even illumination throughout the space.
Brightening up the Guest Closet
Even in smaller spaces like closets, natural light can make a significant difference. By installing a Sun Tunnel in our guest closet, we eliminated the need for additional light fixtures while providing ample illumination for tasks like coordinating colored clothing.
One key advantage of Sun Tunnels is their flexibility in installation. They can be maneuvered around attic obstructions such as rafters and venting, allowing them to reach almost any interior space. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for bringing natural light into areas of the home that might otherwise remain dark and underutilized.
With a Sun Tunnel in place, dark spaces become brighter and more functional. The intensified natural light allows for better visibility, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Additionally, the flexibility in design means they can match various ceiling types and room purposes.
Benefits of Natural Light in Home Design
Natural light offers numerous benefits beyond just brightening up a space. It can improve mood, increase productivity, and even help regulate sleep patterns. By incorporating skylights and Sun Tunnels throughout our cottage, we created a living environment that feels more open, airy, and connected to the outdoors.
Moreover, the strategic use of natural light can reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, potentially leading to energy savings. This aligns with sustainable design principles and can contribute to a more eco-friendly home.
The health benefits of natural light further validate our choice. Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, leading to better mental health. Well-lit indoor areas also prevent eye strain, allowing activities to be performed more comfortably. Natural light fosters an enriching, lively atmosphere where wellness and functionality meet.
Choosing the Right Skylight or Sun Tunnel
When considering adding skylights or Sun Tunnels to your home, it’s important to assess your specific needs and the structure of your house. Factors to think about include:
- The orientation of your roof and the path of the sun
- The room’s function and lighting requirements
- Your local climate and weather patterns
- Energy efficiency goals
- Budget considerations
Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best options for your home and ensure proper installation for optimal performance.
Aside from the practical aspects, consider the aesthetic importance. Skylights and Sun Tunnels should complement your home’s design. Consider the style, size, and placement to ensure a coherent visual appeal that enhances natural lighting and boosts the overall look of your home.
