Glazing can make a huge difference to a home. It’s common knowledge that the brighter a room, the larger it appears, but don’t just focus glazing on your smaller rooms. With advances in the thermal efficiency of glazing, there’s no longer a need to keep glass to a minimum to conserve heat. Windows in any room can completely change the way the space feels. Lots of glazing isn’t just for contemporary homes, either – it can be equally impactful surrounded by wooden beams.
Glazed gables
Gables – the triangles that sit beneath the end of a ridged roof, can look flat and boring. By introducing glazing, these spaces can come alive. They’re suitable for any floor of a house, and are ideal if you’ve got a particular view to exploit. Be they in the living room or upstairs in the master bedroom, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is finding curtains big enough!
Who said windows were only for outer walls? Why not do something different and give rooms overlooking a space below something to look through? It’s a fun alternative to an open landing or mezzanine, especially suitable if you don’t want kitchen smells or lounge noise affecting first floor spaces.
Vaulted spaces
Putting glazing in vaulted spaces, like a stairway, opens up the wide space and illuminates (literally!) any structural features that might be there, including exposed beams or angular ceilings. Also, stairs don’t really need privacy, so you can make the window as big as you like without worrying about onlookers or curtains.
Glazed balustrades
Okay, so these aren’t technically ‘windows’, but lining your landings or stairs with glass will still achieve that sense of light and openness. They work particularly well in homes going for a contemporary edge.
Rooflights or roof lanterns
These are a great way to introduce light into a room if you want to keep the wall space free for art or photos. Alternatively, if you’re restricted by overlooking, they ensure both light and privacy. They’re also great for creating architectural interest. Rooflights look great on a sloping roof, from an inside and outside perspective. They are also great for highlighting particular features, such as the dining area or a large open plan space.
Clerestory windows
You might have seen these kinds of windows in churches. They’re basically windows that sit at the very top of a wall, and like rooflights and lanterns are a good choice for people concerned about overlooking. For example, if a footpath is close to your wall, you might choose clerestory windows to make sure people aren’t looking in. And again, they free up lots of wall space, as well as creating something a bit more interesting than your standard mid-wall window.
