Finland’s successful Housing First national policy asserts that having a good quality home is the basis for the other aspects of life (health, education, relationships….) to go well. Without a decent home, it’s hard for the rest to follow. It makes sense. Radio 4’s Rethink recently covered social housing which discussed this idea, presenting a case study of a high quality social housing scheme. Its developer emphasised good daylight levels and larger-than-usual windows, as features of high quality housing design desired by residents.
We know instinctively that daylight is good for us physiologically and psychologically. There is growing scientific evidence to back this up, (how about this wonderful paper making a direct link between daylight levels in homes and feelings of happiness) . There’s also growing research regarding the positive difference to be made by other perks of ample glazing such as a good view and connection with outdoors.
A glazed area doesn’t need to grow much to increase natural light levels from adequate to good. With joined-up thinking and design work, floor plans, shading and glass-to-solid ratios can be optimised, concerns regarding overheating and heat-loss can be minimised. So, how can we encourage good daylight levels from ample, well-designed glazing to become the norm?
For starters, here are some inspiring examples of social (or affordable) housing employing larger-than-usual windows.
Unity Place
Appleby Blue Almshouse
Central Somers Town