One might think a window is just a window and glass is just glass, yet there are several basic rules to consider when designing your window sections and selecting the right glass quality. In this regard, the orientation of the window is a particularly crucial factor. The art lies in i
One might think a window is just a window and glass is just glass, yet there are several basic rules to consider when designing your window sections and selecting the right glass quality. In this regard, the orientation of the window is a particularly crucial factor. The art lies in optimizing thermal insulation, solar gains, and natural lighting for every situation.
The importance of natural light cannot be emphasized enough. Natural light provides a sense of calm and ensures that you see all objects in their correct color rendering. It is superior and more pleasant than artificial light and regulates the human body’s biorhythm. Furthermore, it is free, non-polluting, and inexhaustible. Perfectly sustainable!
For windows facing north, one must account for the low angle of sunlight at dawn and in the evening during summer. Numerous north-facing windows provide a cool light that disperses well. Northern light is ideal for working. Your kitchen, office, studio, or craft room will certainly benefit from a north-facing window. However, the north side is the coldest side. It is therefore advisable to choose super-insulating or even triple glazing for these windows, ensuring you are not affected by cold radiation from the glass during chilly days.
The south side is, of course, the sunny side. South-facing windows allow warm, direct sunlight to enter, which changes constantly as the hours pass. This is particularly pleasant in living areas, but effective external solar shading—such as a screen—is certainly not an unnecessary luxury. This applies to all large windows that receive significant sunlight, including those facing southeast and southwest. This prevents overheating and avoids the need for air conditioning to run expensive overtime. The ideal choice is a type of glass with a low solar factor (g-value) combined with a relatively high light transmission (LT-value). This may sound technical, but Group Ceyssens can provide expert advice on the matter.
If you wish to bring in plenty of sunlight through east- and west-facing windows, it is better to opt for low, horizontally positioned windows. This allows you to capture natural light deep into the home throughout the year when the sun is low.
