Lighting can make a dramatic difference in a home, office, or in fact any building. Our ancestors were masters at making the best of natural light, but to be honest this only worked well in warmer climates until glass windows were invented, and even then only the richest of people and the Church could afford glass windows!
Using Natural Light – Light Pipes
Natural light can be used in even enclosed spaces with no direct access to outside light by the use of a ‘light pipe’. This is in fact a very old idea – the Egyptians used to use a similar setup to light the insides of their tombs and monoliths.
The idea was that strategically placed mirrors would in effect direct light from the outside to where it was needed. If done properly, this would fill a room with light even though there were no windows. All that was needed was one opening with direct access to the sun.
The modern take on this ancient lighting method utilizes an internally mirrored pipe. This is then allowed access to the outside light via a roof or external wall with the delicate reflective surface protected from the weather by a clear cover allows light to pass through. This method allows any homeowner to get not only natural light, but natural ventilation into any room in the house.
When A Wall Is Not A Wall – Glass Walls
Utilizing glass for walls is not a new idea. In fact, glass bricks actually became popular in the ‘swinging sixties’ to add a bit of psychedelic light into rooms if the bricks were colored. Nowadays glass walls are made up of vertically bonded glass wall bricks, sometimes frosted or patterned. This allows natural light through whilst offering a modicum of privacy for internal rooms.
Normal construction methods are used, in so far as the glass bricks are stacked row upon row to create the wall. However different bonding agents are used so that the overall effect is not ruined by unsightly cement.
Of course colored bricks can also be used in these glass walls and this can add to a nice feature in an otherwise dull room. Modern innovations such as the inclusion of LED lighting into these walls can also add a bit of sparkle, lifting the mood of a room.
Mixing Natural and Man Made Light
Of course, homes can’t just rely on natural light. You’re still going to require lighting when it goes dark outside and for low-light conditions when there is a lot of cloud cover. In this instance you’ll have to choose your lighting to complement natural light in the house. For instance, in kitchens you can use a mixture of ceiling pendant lights and halogen spotlights to give correct lighting on important areas such as kitchen worktops.
You can find more information through Google by searching for ‘light pipes’ or ‘light tunnels’.
About the author: The Contemporary Home offers a great range of ceiling pendant lights to complement your home, whether you use natural lighting or not.