CLERESTORY WINDOWS IN ARCHITECTURE
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lerestory windows are a type of fenestration or glass window which can be found in both residential and commercial projects. A clerestory window is a large window or a series of small windows usually placed along the top of a structure’s wall at or near the roof line. Clerestory windows (pronounced clear-story) are a very versatile way of using daylighting. The Middle English word clerestorie means “clear – story,” which describes how an entire story of height was “cleared” to bring natural light to sizable areas. Historically, clerestories were
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bands of small windows that stretched across the top of buildings particularly Gothic era churches or cathedrals, that later appeared as a form of art. In order to maintain interior privacy and at the same time keep a room or space welllighted architects often use this type of window arrangement for residential and commercial projects. In a large building such as a gymnasium or an indoor stadium, the windows will be positioned to illuminate a large interior space whilst a smaller home may have a band of narrow windows along the very top of a wall. Whilst clerestory windows are a welcome addition to illuminate your home they are also now widely used to illuminate as well as
