San Francisco Bay Area - Raise the roof - lessons learning in natural lighting

by Ginkgo House Architecture

Raise the roof - lessons learning in natural lighting

This house has a generous southern exposure (as well as magnificent views), but natural light was not making it into the deeper spaces of the home. This darkness created a high contrast with the bright areas next to the plate glass windows and made it difficult for the eye to adjust. Thus, lights were turned on during the day to minimize unpleasant glare. To solve the project, we pitched half of the flat roof and added clearstory windows to allow more light to come into the space. This, along with brighter surfaces allow light to bounce deeper into the space. The elimination of high light contrast in this space makes for a more calming and pleasing environment.

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apple_pie_order Impressive changes. I think you mean "clerestory" windows, not "clearstory".

What kind of window treatments will the homeowners be using for privacy?

3 months ago · Like

Mary Dancey Interiors Beautiful transformation.

With the view I'm looking at, privacy wouldn't be an issue for me.

3 months ago · Like ·

Ginkgo House Architecture The home is located on a bluff overlooking a lake. It's very private, and thus, there are no window treatments except for a concealed motorized solar shade at the patio door. This limits glare on the television in the early morning. At night, the city skyline can be seen. Indeed, it is hard to put window treatments over this view. Here's another image of the windows.