How natural light and wellness are driving house design

More and more homeowners are looking for a light space in which they can ‘unplug’, de-clutter and unwind.   A review of the psychological effects of windows, daylight and views at home was published in 2011 which provides compelling evidence that residential buildings with good natural daylight and views of nature contribute significantly to the inhabitants’ sense of wellbeing. A fluid, less tangible aesthetic is therefore emerging where the physical world blends into its background and visual disorder is minimised.



Mirrored surfaces, glass furniture and windows that allow large amounts of natural light to flood a room are used to capture this particular trend. In this sense, lightness is beginning to drive house design.



Using large expanses of glass is now more feasible by utilising the latest solar control products which help to reduce heat build-up whilst offering optimum light transmission, and are a popular way of achieving a clear finish and maximising ‘lightness’ in the home.



Glass from the Pilkington Activ™ range is an ideal solution. This unique product combines both solar control and self-cleaning properties.



The glass incorporates a coating that uses the forces of nature to help keep the glass free from dirt, giving not only the practical benefit of less cleaning, but also clearer windows, helping to bring the outside in.



Internally, semi-transparent and mirrored surfaces are often used to help manmade structures blend in with the surrounding landscape and enhance lightness.



The Pilkington Oriel Collection and Pilkington Texture Glass ranges offer homeowners a versatile decorative choice that is suitable for use across the home in windows, doors, kitchen splash-backs, cupboards and partition walling.



With a smooth, durable surface in a range of patterns, the collections deliver excellent light transmission and reflection, creating the illusion of invisibility in a room where clutter should be kept to a minimal.



If you’d like to know more about Pilkington Glass, click here.