Design Elements

Natural Light

Natural light animates form, creates an ever-changing sense of space, and is necessary for health and well being.  How natural light enters a space defines the mood and comfort level.  Light that enters from only one direction can be harsh and glary (useful for highlighting an area, like the apse of a church), while light that enters from multiple sides provides an even and comfortable illumination.  Direct light is strong with high contrast, while light bounced off multiple surfaces become diffused and even.  At Old Bridge Road House, south-facing windows under a large roof overhang (to right in photo) allows large amounts of indirect light in during the summer, and direct light in during the winter.