The Art of Positioning Skylights: Maximising Sunlight in NZ Homes

Skylights, while serving a functional purpose, also play a pivotal role in the aesthetic and energetic balance of a home. In New Zealand, with its unique sun path and varied landscapes, positioning skylights becomes an art. Let’s explore how to master this art, ensuring your home basks in the best of the Kiwi sun.

Understanding the Sun’s Trajectory: In the Southern Hemisphere, the sun moves from east to west, arcing towards the north. This trajectory means northern-facing skylights in NZ homes capture the most sunlight throughout the day, especially during winter when the sun is lower in the sky.

Key Considerations

• Purpose of the Room: Bedrooms might benefit from morning light, so placing skylights towards the east can be ideal. Conversely, living areas used predominantly in the afternoon might benefit from west-facing skylights.
• Heat Management: North-facing skylights capture the most sun, which is great for warmth in winter but can make rooms too hot in summer. Consider factors like shading, ventilation, and glazing to manage heat.
• Views & Aesthetics: Sometimes, the positioning might be influenced by desired views – gazing at stars or treetops, for instance.

Balancing Light & Shade: While maximising sunlight is often the goal, there’s also an art to creating shade and diffusing light to prevent glare or overheating. Solutions include:

• Adjustable Blinds or Covers: These can be used to moderate the amount of light entering, especially during peak summer.
• Frosted or Tinted Glass: This helps in diffusing light, reducing direct glare while still brightening the room.

Innovations in Positioning: Modern skylight designs, such as tubular skylights, offer flexibility. They can capture sunlight from optimal angles and then redirect it to desired spaces using reflective channels.

In Conclusion: The positioning of a skylight in New Zealand homes goes beyond mere installation. It’s a thoughtful process, blending scientific understanding of the sun’s path with the aesthetic and functional needs of living spaces. When done right, skylights can transform interiors, making them spaces of light, warmth, and wonder.