Maximising natural light is not just great for energy efficiently, but also wellbeing.  So often, dark gloomy spaces are created when adding an extension to  rear. As the property increases in depth, the amount of natural light penetrating the middle of the house decreases. 
Basement extensions are notorious for low levels of natural light, but with clever techniques, the available light can be utilised to create a wonderful space.

The most obvious way to increase natural light is to use more glass, but there are different types of glass to consider. Opaque white glass can be a great way of diffusing light whists retaining privacy. Textured glass or patterned glass, scatters light and creates interesting ambience. Reflective coated glass or tinted glass can be great for retaining some privacy and also for controlling the amount intensity of light. The type of frames for glass doors and windows are important; modern slimline frames are ideal for maximising light. There are very many options to chose from, depending on your project, we can advise you what glass to use and where to locate it.

The use of mirrors is good for reflecting light around the room and also for making to size of the space feel larger. Using a light colour pallet on your walls, floors, ceilings and fabrics will also reject the natural light around the room. Warmer tones absorb light, whereas lighter tones reflect light.

The layout of spaces

South facing rooms will capture direct warm toned sun light throughout the day, but will over heat if too much glass is used. Try to avoid building south facing sunrooms or conservatories, they are better located west or east facing.
North facing rooms will get purer cool tone ambient feeling light. Bathrooms and less used rooms are best situated north facing.
Tracking the suns movement around your property through the day can be invaluable in helping with design. Windows can be carefully positioned to ensure that light will fall where you want it.
 

Basements

Basements are generally darker spaces by the nature of their location, however by designing the basement to capture light with carefully postponed light wells and and light tubes, natural light can still penetrate. The layout of a basement is of upmost importance. Areas where the most natural light will enter should be used for living spaces and darker spaces should be used for things like utility rooms, bathrooms, ensuites and storage.