Figure 5.56. Window design effecting levels if light

i. The depth is no greater than the width ii. The depth does not exceed twice the height of the window head iii. The surface of the back wall is light coloured

Lighting from supplementary sidelight windows, especially on the opposite wall to the main source of light, can greatly improve the quality and distribution of light. They can also look good from the outside.

The advantages of clerestory windows are they:

i. Are high up and so let in light from a bright part of the sky. ii. Are unlikely to be obstructed by trees or other buildings. iii. Can provide light to the darker part of a room. iv. Give you some idea of what it’s like outside. v. Can provide extra ventilation.

However, they:

i. Need careful design to avoid glare. ii. Can be difficult to black out. iii. May require shading to avoid direct sunlight and solar heat gain.