17. Strategic Clerestory Window Light Wells
Introduction
Clerestory windows—high-level horizontal windows positioned just beneath the roofline—allow daylight to wash deep into the core of an architect house without compromising privacy from neighbors.
What This Idea Means
This concept celebrates sky-directed daylighting and volumetric lightness. It creates the optical illusion that the heavy roof is floating weightlessly above the walls on a cushion of natural light.
How to Make It
- Roof Framing Adjustment: Collaborate with an architect to frame high horizontal window openings into the upper wall plates during roof construction.
- Angled Light Splayed Jambs: Construct interior window jambs at an outward-splayed angle to bounce and diffuse incoming sunlight deeper into the room.
- Concealed Motorized Blinds: Install automated roller blinds hidden within recessed ceiling pockets if light control is required for sleeping areas.
- Glass Selection: Use high-performance solar-control low-E glass to prevent overheating from high-angle direct overhead sun exposure.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Paint the splayed interior window jambs in pure matte white to maximize light reflection into the space.
- Variation: Wrap clerestory windows continuously around all four walls of a living room to create a 360-degree floating roof halo effect.
Needs to Make That Thing
- High-level horizontal clerestory window framing units
- Splayed drywall or wood window jamb construction
- Motorized recessed roller shade system
- Solar-control insulated architectural glass