Home renovation companies in London have a duty to provide their clients with the best possible solutions for their home improvement needs. That is why, at Home Tales, we offer our clients multiple initial design options, along with unlimited amendments to their planning drawings. This means that the final result will always be something that our client 100% approves of. A kitchen extension in London can be designed to highlight the importance of the kitchen space or put more emphasis on the adjacent social zones such as the dining area. We provide such options so our client can explore ideas they had not considered previously.

In today’s post, we cover ways in which homeowners can introduce more natural lighting into their homes. We’ve found that many London properties, especially period properties, suffer from lack of access to natural light towards the middle section of the house. We are using this complex yet common case as an example to show how certain solutions can mitigate these structural obstacles.

The Problem

The residential architecture of London is hugely diverse to reflect its history and occupants. Traditional properties such as Victorian terraces are wonderful assets to our built environment. Despite their outwardly exceptional architectural makeup, there are some issues that have become apparent over the years. One main problem is its length and narrowness, which creates dark spaces within the floor plans. The general layout for a period property sees a room in the middle of each floor, blocking light from channelling through the entire floor plan. The internal walls physically obstruct any view of natural light, meaning these middle rooms are only able to receive artificial lighting. It is evident that having access to nature is beneficial for physical, mental, and emotional health, so modern designs work to address this issue.

Glazing

When extending the ground floor, there are plenty of glazing options that will allow natural light to pour into your home. Installing casements windows and full-length windows to a ground floor extension creates a perfect viewing point into nature. Similarly, roof windows create a lovely view of the sky above and helps zone parts of the home. For example, a flat roof light over a kitchen island defines the space and makes it feel much open.

Velux windows on a side return extension can illuminate a large dining area, whilst ventilating the entire room during hot summer months. Roof lanterns are a less common, architectural statement that can be seen in some London properties. This is a glass feature that sits atop a flat roof. It is useful in ground floor extensions that are boxy and lack adequate roof space. You can take a small flat roof and install a roof lantern that extends upwards by a metre or so, creating more surface area and height to catch natural light as well as warmth from the sunshine. The result is a room bathed in diffused natural light.

Glass doors are incredibly popular in modern properties as it is a delicate feature that connects the interior with the exterior. In other words, it brings nature into the home. Some clients opt for bi-fold doors that has full length glazing throughout, whilst others want to keep a bit more privacy. This is done by installing Crittall-style doors that have multiple panes of glazing within a main frame. Overall, glass doors are great for making a room feel incredibly spacious and bright, whilst creating a perfect transition into the outdoor space.

Open plan

In addition to introducing more glazing, creating an open plan layout within a ground floor is a great option. This is done by knocking back internal walls and installing steel beams to support the rest of the house. The middle space can then catapult natural light from the front and the rear of the house, especially if you are boasting a new orangery or ground floor extension. In an open floor plan, lighting, interior design and placement is key to effectively zone the large open room, taking us back to the need for roof windows. During months when the front room receives minimal sunlight, natural light can then be borrowed from the rear of the property to prevent any dark corners and vice versa. It means maximum use of the newly installed glazing in your home.

Orangery

Last but not least, an orangery is an energy-efficient option that is mid-way between a conservatory and a ground floor extension. It is often made up of a roof lantern and accents of solid materials such as brickwork. The presence of brickwork means the addition can blend into the property seamlessly. The materials alone help insulate the space better than a conservatory. An orangery lets in lots of light and warmth, and its composition helps it to blend well into a period property/the original building. If you’re not keen on a full-blown ground floor extension, an orangery would be a wonderful addition to any London property with an open plan layout.

Are you looking to improve your property but have no idea where to start? Why not give our friendly team of professionals a call on 02070432378 or contact us via email at hello@hometales.co.uk. We can discuss your project in detail and explain how Home Tales can help you. If you’d prefer to book in a telephone consultation for a time that best suits your schedule, click here to visit our live diary. We offer a standard consultation and a consultation Plus.