As architects, we’re passionate about designing homes that feel bright, spacious, and connected to the natural world. Skylights are a versatile and transformative tool in our design arsenal, bringing natural light into spaces that might otherwise feel closed off or gloomy. Here at Studio Hallett Ike, we’ve worked with a variety of homes across Oxford, London and beyond, using skylights to create interiors that balance functionality and beauty.
Here’s some of our considerations when including skylights in our designs:
1. Maximising Natural Light
In the UK, where overcast skies are common, daylight is a commodity. Skylights allow us to harness the natural light from above, illuminating interior spaces throughout the day. They’re especially effective in north-facing rooms or areas that receive limited light through traditional windows.
By carefully placing skylights, we can make compact spaces feel more open, while larger rooms gain a warmer feel with sunlight entering from above. We ideally like to place skylights as close as possible to the darkest parts of the property. For instance this may be at the part of the extension closest to the house. Take a look at our project ER Residence for an example of this.
2. Connecting to Nature
Beyond brightening a space, skylights establish a direct visual connection with the sky. Watching clouds drift by or glimpsing a starry night from your kitchen or bathroom can subtly ground you in nature, even in urban settings. These moments are invaluable for well-being and mental health, offering a sense of openness and tranquillity.
3. Managing Heat and Ventilation
While skylights bring light, they also introduce considerations around thermal performance and ventilation. Modern glazing technology helps to mitigate heat loss in winter and excess heat in summer, keeping your home comfortable year-round. We always specify double or triple-glazed units with low-emissivity coatings to meet stringent energy efficiency standards.
In addition - for some spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, incorporating openable skylights allow additional natural ventilation. These can be operated by hand (if you can reach!) or motorised.
4. Balancing Privacy and Light
In urban areas, privacy is often a priority. Skylights are a way to bring light into your home without compromising on privacy. For instance, a strategically positioned skylight in a bathroom can flood the space with light while maintaining a complete sense of privacy.
Integrated blinds or motorised shades offer flexible light control and privacy meaning they can be installed even in overlooked spaces.
5. Aesthetics
Skylights aren’t just functional—they’re part of the architectural aesthetics of your home. We consider how the light will move through the home via the skylight. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day can highlight architectural features, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
Introducing structure across the skylights can bring in a diffused light to certain spaces, which not only adds interest, but also helps to limit overheating during the warmer months.
6. Planning and Practicalities
In the UK, adding skylights often requires planning permissions. We review closely with requirements of local authorities to find solutions that respect the character of the property and its local area, whilst still incorporating skylights suitable for each project.
Structural factors are also key—skylights must be carefully considered in the roof design to ensure stability and weatherproofing. Collaboration with structural engineers is key to ensuring a seamless execution.
Designing Your Skylight Solution
Every project is unique, and therefore so are all our designs including skylights. At Studio Hallett Ike, our approach begins with understanding how you live and where light can make the biggest difference. Whether it’s creating a bright, open-plan spaces or introducing light into a home office space, skylights are an investment in both your home’s aesthetic and your quality of life.
If you’re considering introducing skylights as part of your project, we’d love to explore how they can enhance your space.
Contact us at Studio Hallett Ike to discuss your project today.