Clerestory windows
Clerestory windows are high, vertically-placed
windows. Clerestories may provide light to rooms
that otherwise will not be illuminated (north-side
rooms in the northern hemisphere; and south-side
rooms in southern hemisphere)
Clerestories are also used to admit diffuse
day-light (from the north, if you live in the
northern hemisphere; from the south if you live
in the southern hemisphere) in rooms demanding
balanced day-light.
Clerestory are also often used to allow light
onto interior wall surfaces. These walls should
be painted with a light color (preferably white)
in order to reflect indirect light to interior
areas, reducing shadows and making a softer
illumination.
Clerestories should be placed or shaded
correctly, since they may be a cause of
undesirable glare and heat when facing toward
the sun.
Skylights
Skylights may be an excellent
element of natural day-lighting
strategies, but they should
involve good glass (at least two
panes glass) with a heat
reflecting coating. You should
demand high energy efficient
skylights. Otherwise they will
be cause on unwanted heat or
cold losses. Skylights should
also be properly installed and
constructed to avoid leak and
condensation problems.
As a piece of natural day-lighting,
skylights shouldn't represent
more than 1-10% of floor area (depending
on climate, latitude and
design).
Advanced skylights may use domed
shapes and other
light-redirecting glazings to
allow superior even light levels.
Skylights can also be used with
shade trees, located in
strategic locations - to prevent
too much heat or light to enter
into the house.
