Modern Home Architectural Guideline : Skylight

Shapiro & Sher Group
1215 S Fort Apache Rd #210
Las Vegas, NV 89117
United States

A part of the design of modern homes is to utilize natural resources and to decrease carbon footprint. Natural light influences the design of modern homes. It provides warmth, alters the mood, and can serve as part of the house motif.

Skylight : A Short introduction

(image in courtesy of greenbuildingadvisor.com)

Skylight is a structure that allows natural light to enter the house (from the roof). It can raise the room temperature, create a pleasant lighting-effect, provide direct lighting, and more. It is an environment friendly solution to brighten up the home.

Below are guidelines for modern home skylights:

• Let go of the frame

(Image in courtesy of HSU McCullough)

The windows should have a lot of transparency and the frame should be hidden from the naked eye. This can be achieved by using the wall to conceal the frame (as shown above). Alternatively, you can blend the frame with the motif of the room. At the example below, notice that the black frame matches the motif of the room. It makes the frame less noticeable.

(image in courtesy of Swatt | Miers Architects)

• Review the house orientation

(image in courtesy of greenbuildingadvisor.com)

The orientation of the house has an effect into the incoming light. Remember, the sun moves while the house stay put. Use this as an advantage to effectively harness the sunlight. Different orientation has different lighting effects:

North – light coming from the north has the lowest temperature. This light is the best for bathrooms, entries, utility rooms or any places of the home that requires minimal lighting.

West – light coming from the west has high temperatures during the afternoons. Ideal for areas with low temperature and for people who likes to sleep until late-afternoon. Avoid using this light for living rooms, personal office, etc. It will make TV or monitor screens harder to see during afternoons.

East –  It is the same with West light, only the timing differs. East light is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, and breakfast nooks. It provides energy for the day.

South – Light coming from the south are intense and bright. It can raise the temperature by a few degrees. Ideal to harness on living rooms, family rooms, and areas where the family spends more time.

• Consider Etched glass

This type of glass bends and scatters light evenly throughout the rooms. It also lowers the room temperature.

• Passive Cooling

(Image in courtesy of Charles Rose Architects Inc.)

Skylights too can be utilised to act as a cooling device. Skylights placed at the top of stairwells allows warm air to rise. Opening the skylight windows replace the warm-air with fresh and cool air from below.

• Use a self-cleaning glass for skylights

These are glass that has special coatings that breaks down organic dirt. It allows the rain to wash away the dirt without leaving a mark.

• Consider motorized and solar-powered skylights

Motorized skylights are preferred. It is convenient and only requires a push of a button to work. Solar panels can also be integrated with the skylight.

Both the self-cleaning glass and motorized skylights would cost more upfront. The benefits would outweigh the cost in the long-run.

Shapiro & Sher Group is the leading luxury home seller in Las Vegas. The group is composed of the best luxury real estate agents and consultants in Las Vegas. They have the largest collection of luxury homes and modern homes of Las Vegas.