Window orientation

[Russell griffiths]

Ok so due to our planning officer?We are having a bit of a re design. 

So I will try to explain but I haven't got any drawings done yet so can't upload any but might be able to find an example on the web. 

We are having some high level windows installed in a wall just below a vaulted ceiling. 

Now I can turn this roof 180 degrees with out it effecting much. 

I am concerned with high level windows that allowing light in that we want, will also allow solar gain and lead to overheating in the summer. These windows can either face due SOUTH or due NORTH  

they will be aprox 4.5m long and 750 high. 

I will try and find some pics. 

[Russell griffiths]

https://www.houzz.co.uk/photo/65633706-siga-house-contemporary-exterior-cincinnati

[Russell griffiths]

Pic added

if you look at the sloping roof I can spin this 180degrees so it can either slope north to south or south to north so putting that strip of skinny windows in either the north face or south face. 

Any thoughts appreciated. 

[Lesgrandepotato]

Powered openers? And provision for electric blinds? Look fab to me! 

 

North light is usually the most consistent as it doesn’t vary with the sun

[IanR]

I'd have them South facing, with external (automated) blinds. Embrace the Solar Gain and use it when you need it. 

[MikeSharp01]

Unless the room will be an artist's studio use south as you have the option to control it and to some extent the heat gains. North light is wonderful to work in but heat gain is pants.

[PeterW]

So what you are describing is a Celestory light - I think they look stunning ....!! 

 

External  blinds are a great idea - celestory lights are also good for ventilation so make them electric operated too !

[Russell griffiths]

https://pin.it/bpLBAgE

 

This is the sort of thing I'm thinking of, they are indeed called celestory windows you clever bloke @PeterW

 

[jack]

We very nearly had these on our house, along the lines of the pinned example, but couldn't get the roof pitches to work for us aesthetically.

[PeterW]

They are fantastic for getting light into very wide buildings as they essentially create a slot of light half way along the roof. 

 

There are are some real benefits too of putting them under a reasonable overhang if south facing as they then become shielded from the direct sun - in winter they get the light and solar gain for longer due to the lower angle of incidence. 

 

 

[Ferdinand]

I would argue for keeping it simple rather than using automated blinds etc if you can - eg overhang plus fixed lights, except perhaps one or two openers - since it will be a bit of a performance to be up there for maintenance, unless eg you half  an easily walkable roof.

 

Doesn't @Calvinmiddle have some of this?

Edited November 9, 2017 by Ferdinand

[Russell griffiths]

So more by luck than judgment, I'm planning on having a fairly large 750mm roof overhang over the windows and also the roof under the windows is only 15 degrees so easy to walk on. 

 

[Bitpipe]

We have two high level horizontal slot windows in our two south bedrooms - cant say solar gain is a big issue and they let beautiful light into the roomm

[Calvinmiddle]

On 09/11/2017 at 17:49, Ferdinand said:

I would argue for keeping it simple rather than using automated blinds etc if you can - eg overhang plus fixed lights, except perhaps one or two openers - since it will be a bit of a performance to be up there for maintenance, unless eg you half  an easily walkable roof.

 

Doesn't @Calvinmiddle have some of this?

I do indeed, lots.  Mine face roughly East and South. 

If you was just wanting light in I’d say go for north.  Our living areas face north and the sky is always lovely and blue, but look out the bedrooms that face south and the sky is glaringly and whitish

Also the East facing ones at twice a year (Spring and Autumn) the sun comes in at the right angle to completely blind you when in the kitchen.  I wouldn’t be worried about getting direct sunlight into the building, you just want diffuse light and a view of nice blue sky*

 

*Disclaimer - nice blue sky entirely dependent on where you live in the UK ?

[Calvinmiddle]

I’ll take some pictures of ours tomorrow so you can see

[Calvinmiddle]

@Russell griffiths Not the best photo as there are clouds but hopefully you get the idea