According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, one of the latest trends in remodeling is daylighting. Daylighting draws more natural light into living and work settings using glass intensive window designs.

The intention is to open the area to more natural light, thereby creating a stronger visual connection with our natural environment as well as giving the impression of more space. Increasing the natural light within our surroundings has been scientifically proven to enhance emotions and moods as well as increase production levels in businesses.

Windows, skylights, roof windows, and sunrooms are not only key elements but have become an identifying mark of modern architecture in homes being built today. The number of windows per home has increased from an average of 8.6 to 15.5 in the last decade. The number of skylights being installed has also grown. Not only are homeowners requesting more windows, they are also asking for bigger windows.

Daylighting has led to new forms of window design. An example is the window wall, a current design that did not exist 10 years ago. In the ‘70s and ‘80s the use of many windows was discouraged for energy reasons. Today’s energy-efficient windows have dispelled those concerns.

Currently there is a renewed interest in traditional window designs: prairie grids, leaded designs, bows, bays, and unusual shapes such as half circles, Palladian styles, arch-tops, and eyebrows. Different styles of windows and how they are placed can create a variety of light patterns and moods combining vertical and diagonal light.

A homeowner’s desire for more light and airier spaces is not new. Daylighting can be traced back as far as the Victorian era. Homes built during that time used windows as a design element.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs often featured daylighting. He said, "The best way to light a home is God’s way." And today’s consumers seem to agree as they choose home designs that offer light filled and open spaces.

Talk

"The wise person isn’t the one who makes the fewest mistakes. It’s the one who learns the most from them." Harvey Mackay

Published: January 29, 2003

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