How to evaluate the facade of the house and daylight?

North, south, east or west direction gives an idea about the angle of incidence of the sun during the day; But it is not enough to make the room bright. While a south-facing window on the lower floor receives limited light due to the building opposite, the wide-open north façade on the upper floor can provide balanced light throughout the day.

Direction in evaluation; Consider the amount of sky the window sees, floor level, street width, height of nearby buildings and outdoor elements. Verify façade information with plans and on-site observation, if possible.

Architectural readingThe compass direction tells you where the light might be coming from; It doesn't say how far it reaches the room.

The real result comes from reading the direction together with the physical environment in front of the aperture.

Opposite buildings, overhangs, deep balconies, eaves, dense trees and closed balconies in front of the window change the duration and depth of light. If the window size or obstacle in front of two rooms on the same façade is different, their light levels may also be different.

Instead of standing next to the window, look from the back of the room. Does the light stay only around the opening or does it spread into the usable area of ​​the space? Light colored surfaces can scatter light; Dark and deep spaces may feel darker despite the same window.

• The amount of sky visible through the window
• Distance and height of opposite structure
• Shadow of balconies, eaves and facade recesses
• Depth of the room and position of the window on the wall
• The need to constantly use curtains for privacy

Large glass surface can provide more light; At the same time, depending on the quality of the glass, direction and shading conditions, it may cause overheating in summer or heat loss in winter. Window system, joinery, glass layers, solar control and openable wings should be considered together.

The energy performance approach in buildings also considers external climate, indoor space needs and energy use together. Although exact performance calculations cannot be made during a home visit, the orientation of glass surfaces, existing shading, heating/cooling scheme and Energy Identity Certificate can be investigated.

The kitchen used in the morning and the living room used in the evening do not have the same light expectation. For someone who works from home, balanced light in the work area can be as important as the brightness of the living room at the end of the day for someone who only comes home in the evening.

Mark the direction of each room on the plan and write down the times when you use that space most frequently. It is more meaningful for a room to provide comfortable light when it is needed, rather than to be very bright all day long.

• Breakfast and kitchen usage hours
• Working or studying from home routine
• Day and evening use of the hall
• Morning light and need for dimming in the bedroom
• Seasonal usage time of balcony and open area

When you enter the visit, if possible, adjust the curtains and blinds to their normal use position, turn off unnecessary artificial lighting and wait a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the environment. Observe how rooms feel, not just next to windows but in working, living and storage areas.

The phone camera can automatically brighten the dark area; Therefore, do not replace photography with naked eye observation. When making a critical purchasing decision, ask for a second visit at a different time, as weather and time of visit affect the outcome.

Sanem's architectural perspectiveGood light is not just about brightness but about keeping the space usable throughout the day.

Direction of light, duration, depth and relationship with temperature; It gains meaning when evaluated together with the life scenario.