Interior designers in Pakistan have always focused on natural light in interior spaces before introducing artificial lighting. Natural light, also known as daylight, is one of the most sought-after elements of interior design since it can change the quality of your space without extra ornamentation.
Interior design, be it in residential, commercial, or office spaces, requires to be sensitively designed. Most members of your household spend most of their time indoors. Lack of outdoor activities, or time, implies missing out on health benefits associated with sunlight exposure, such as vitamin D absorption, higher energy levels, and overall elevated mood. Prioritizing natural lighting in interior spaces, and designing intelligently is essential for the well-being of your family.
Considering the climate of Lahore, interior spaces in your homes need to allow controlled amounts of sunlight to enter to avoid extra heat gain. Read along to find some tried and tested interior design solutions by the best interior designers in Pakistan.
Large Windows
Glass walls, doors, and windows are the most effective and easiest ways to increase natural light in your home. However, it is important to make sure that large windows are not overdone. They tend to be more expensive and harder to maintain. Additionally, if they are not placed strategically during design, they can increase heat gain requiring extra air conditioning.
Considering the climate and solar pathway in Lahore, the east side of the house receives morning light, while the south and southeast sides receive the sharpest sunlight. To allow natural light without extra heat gain, placing larger windows towards the west and northwest sides is recommended. However, in some cases, you might not be able to avoid east or northeast windows. For such instances, windows or glass can be treated to control heat gain.
The use of double-glazed glass in windows is one of the most widely used materials to allow maximum sunlight in, while also minimizing heat. Structurally, two layers of glass are attached to the frame leaving a 3”’ void between them. The vacuum formed acts as insulation, maintaining the interior temperature. This arrangement of glass is often used with a combination of plastic frames, formally known as uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride).
An additional way to accommodate large windows without worrying about extra heat is to add carefully designed blinds in the interior design. Top interior designers in Lahore recommend blinds made of light fabrics, and double-layered (alternative translucent and opaque) fabrics which allows diffused light to enter while blocking direct sunlight.
Skylights
Skylights are another form of aperture that can be used to get natural light. These are extremely useful in large spaces that cannot be sufficiently lit by wall windows only. The different angles and placement of these create dramatic focal points that add personality and character to the space. However, skylights can only be added with careful consideration of the size of the room, the solar orientation along the space, and a general efficiency analysis (cost, maintenance, and future modifications).
The size and function of the interior space help you in deciding the size, shape, and placement of the skylight. For example, spaces for daily activities such as lounging, reading, or eating may benefit from direct focused sunlight. Your interior designer and architect will design skylights together to ensure space utilization that allows adequate light to be used. On the other hand, spaces like the bedroom or the kitchen which have specific functions may not require such light. Smaller skylights can still be added to admit diffused light.
As mentioned above, another crucial factor is the solar orientation. Similar to how solar pathways work for windows, east-facing skylights will receive more direct light in the morning, and west will get cooler afternoon sun. For solar orientation in Pakistan, north-facing skylights towards the west side are ideal. They allow for cooler direct sunlight and constant light throughout the day as well.
Once the ideal placement has been achieved, your architect will explore creative possibilities. Aesthetics and functionality are focused simultaneously to ensure skylights do not become a hassle for you in the long run. Some structural aspects include hermetic sealing, types of glass with appropriate thermal resistance, and systems to prevent water infiltration.
Perforated Shapes and Patterns
A different quality of light can be admitted using a variety of smaller repetitive openings. These will offer natural ventilation and help in providing optimal thermal comfort as well. Perforated walls, intricate openings in ceilings, louvers, and lattices are some of the various openings to achieve this. However, a set of factors need to be considered to find the perfect harmony between aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.
Similar to other types of apertures, orientation is important. Since defined shapes and patterns act as a barrier from direct light, heat gain is not a challenge. However, to achieve the desired effect, shadows and intensity of light need to be closely studied. Other than that, it is also important to consider the use of the interior space. For example, public spaces within your interior spaces are ideal for such openings, since they allow for constant air circulation. However, in a more private space, such as the bedroom, they can compromise your privacy and security.
A range of materials and construction techniques can be used for this. Top interior designers in Islamabad suggest wood panels perforated with CNC laser technology to achieve intricate designs. Exposed beams, concrete or covered, can also provide a repetitive sequence of light and shadows.
Although perforated walls are an element of interior design and provide a dramatic effect on the space using the focus on the contrast of light, they also require spatial assistance. Hence, it is ideal if perforated elements are added in combination with visual depth, movement through change of material, and additional interior decorations.
Interior Elements
Large windows, skylights, and perforated openings are ways to allow direct and diffused light to enter. Their effect can be highlighted if interior decoration pieces are also chosen and placed strategically.
A clever way to utilize and play with light is to bounce it around the space to create a false illusion. A common way to achieve this is by using multiple mirrors facing each other. When light reflects from one surface towards another reflective material, a sense of heightened illumination can be felt. White wall paints can also be used as a reflective surface; they help in providing an illusion of a larger, more open space.
Additionally, the furniture layout of a space can also highlight the light and its impact. This goes hand in hand with the placement of skylights. For example, in spaces like a living room, a reading corner can be highlighted by a focal light provided by the skylight, and the placement of a reading chair, greenery, and a side table to hold the area together. On the other hand, a space that receives the dullest and diffused evening light can be highlighted with the coziest evening sofa set.
Conclusion
In countries like Pakistan, where you get abundant sunlight throughout most of the year, the best interior designers in Lahore greatly emphasize the use of natural light. Other than the aesthetic factor, using natural light (in the daytime at least) significantly reduces energy consumption. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of the building but also provides a financial benefit to the users. Large windows, skylights, and a variety of perforated apertures act as a bridge between the indoor and outdoor worlds. Well-lit, airy interior spaces and spirited areas will have a positive impact on your well-being.
Written by: Aimal Moazam