Live Intentionally: Bring the Outdoors Inside

Captured by Rafael Soldi Photography

Natural Light and Scenic Vistas

Scientists have proven that scenic vistas and natural light significantly enhance our physical and mental well-being. These natural elements stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine – hormones known to reduce stress, regulate mood and energy, and support brain function.  Exposure to natural light is also vital for regulating our internal circadian rhythm, which affects sleep patterns.

However, we don’t need scientific studies to recognize the inherent joy of basking in sunlight, enjoying a home illuminated with natural light, or taking in the beauty of the outdoors (even while indoors).  Especially in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), where skies inevitably turn gloomy; we welcome all the natural light we can get!

When designing a house remodel, addition, or new construction, it is important to plan for how natural light and the outdoor environment can be integrated with your home’s layout and footprint location.  The placement, size, and functionality of windows and doors – along with additional tools for harnessing natural light – are major considerations to discuss early in the process.

Captured by Anastasiya Homes

Optimize Orientation for Natural Light and Views

For new construction or additions on larger lots, you may have the luxury of multiple locations for a new building footprint on your property.  For smaller lots or interior remodels where your home’s location is set, your design options may be more straightforward. 

Maximizing Natural Light: Orienting your home’s main living areas to allow for southern-facing windows and glass doors will maximize sunlight inside during the day. This is true especially during the middle of winter when the sun is low in the southern sky. Increased natural light in the colder months helps not only with winter blues, but with your heating bill as well. For spaces like breakfast nooks or playrooms, east or west-facing windows can strategically harness the morning or afternoon light for when those areas are most likely to be occupied.

Mitigating Summer Heat: Alternately, it is equally important to consider the climatic effect of the summer sun on your interior spaces during the warmest months.  Incorporating design elements such as roof and building overhangs, patio covers, and window treatments to shade the interiors of the home help minimize unwanted heat gain. This should also be carefully considered during the planning process.  These types of elements are typically used to help with western afternoon sun but should be designed such that they do not block the southern winter sun more than necessary.

Leveraging Scenic Views: If your lot has scenic views, orienting your living areas to maximize visual access to the outdoors will elevate your home.  When views and optimal sunlight don’t necessarily align, an experienced architect can help design a thoughtful and intentional layout – such as integrating a sunroom or an interior courtyard.

Captured by Christopher Nelson Photography

Bring the Outside In

Whether or not expansive views are a part of your home’s assets, the ability to engage with the outdoor environment while inside can be the difference between a house and a sanctuary.  Visually connecting well-planned landscape design and exterior living spaces like decks and patios with the interior of your home can help integrate nature with your everyday life, even if you don’t leave the house.  Large picture windows can enhance distant or nearby views and including operable panels, such as sliders and casements, will circulate fresh air into your home’s interior.

To truly create an indoor/outdoor experience, you can go beyond the standard French or sliding glass doors and incorporate multi-slide or multi-folding glass patio doors or windows to create a spacious opening in your home’s exterior, blurring the line between inside and outside.  An opening with doors that can fold away almost out of sight leading from a living or dining area out to a large patio can instantly double a living space and set the scene for a dinner party, fun family get together, or for your own personal enjoyment.  On days when the weather isn’t as inviting, the wall of glass doors will keep you connected to the outdoors and natural light while you are comfortably warm inside.  These larger openings can introduce structural implications to your home, so discussing them early in the design process is very important.

Grab Light Where You Can

For homes with limited access to large windows or doors or where budget constraints exist, there are alternate options available to bring in natural light.

Clerestory Windows: Clerestory windows, found on the upper portion of walls within a home, are ideal for rooms with high vaulted ceilings, especially under a mono-shed roof.  These high-mounted fixed windows can expertly capture additional sunlight and bounce it down far into the interior space below.  When clerestory windows are coupled with standard doors and windows, they help maximize views to the outside, creating a dynamic two-story wall of glass. They’re also useful for letting in natural light when having solid walls below is preferred, for privacy or a place for artwork, furniture, or cabinets.

(Fixed or Operable/Ventilated) Skylights: Skylights are an optimal way to bring natural light to interior spaces that might not have access to standard windows, like hallways and interior bathrooms, or simply to add more natural light to a large open space.  They can be fairly cost efficient to install, especially if using a narrow-width unit that fits in between standard roof framing, eliminating the need for structural changes.  Operable skylights have the added benefit of allowing fresh air circulation and to help lessen heat gain on upper floors.

Fixed Tubular Skylights: Similar to the fixed or ventilated skylight, but even more cost efficient, is a fixed tubular skylight.  These units have a domed translucent cap on the roof, connected to a reflective tube through the attic terminating in a prismatic lens at the ceiling.  The tube can be bent to accommodate the roof design and room placement below.  The sunlight bouncing down through the tube can result in a disc of light at the ceiling as bright as a recessed artificial light fixture, even on an overcast day.

Both standard skylights and fixed tubular skylights are ideal cost-effective retrofits to add natural light to an otherwise dark interior space.

Integrating natural light and outdoor elements in your home design isn’t only about aesthetics, it’s about creating a space that enhances and nurtures your well-being. Thoughtful design, especially when planned early in the process, can transform your living spaces into a sanctuary where you feel connected to nature. Whether you’re planning a remodel, addition, or new build – working with an experienced architecture and design firm ensures your vision is brought to life, creating the home of your dreams.