Natural light has the remarkable ability to transform a living space, making it feel brighter, more inviting, and connected to the outdoors.
For luxury custom homes along the breathtaking Western Australian coast, maximising natural light isn’t just a design choice; it’s a way to embrace the stunning surroundings and elevate your living experience.
In this article we’ll explore the importance of harnessing natural light in your new home build, the challenges and opportunities specific to coastal homes in Mandurah, and actionable tips to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your luxury home.
The benefits of natural light in home design
Before diving into the specifics of how to maximise natural light, let’s first understand why it’s such a crucial element in home design, particularly for those fortunate enough to reside along Western Australia’s picturesque coastline.
1. Mood and wellbeing
Natural light isn’t just about brightening up your space; it can significantly impact your mood and overall well-being. Exposure to natural light triggers the release of serotonin, often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormone. This can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, enhance concentration, and promote a sense of happiness and relaxation.
2. Energy efficiency
Maximising natural light can also lead to substantial energy savings. By relying less on artificial lighting during the day, you’ll reduce your electricity bills and minimise your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the environment.
3. Property value
Homes flooded with natural light are often more appealing to prospective buyers. Whether it’s a single storey home or a double storey home, when you invest in maximising natural light, you’re not just enhancing your current living space; you’re also increasing the resale value of your luxury home.
How to design a home to optimise for natural light
Let’s discuss the practical ways to get more natural light into your home.
1. Large windows and glass doors
One of the most effective methods to bring natural light into your home is by incorporating large windows and glass doors. These features not only flood your living spaces with sunlight but also create a seamless connection between your interior and the stunning coastal surroundings.
2. Skylights
Skylights are an excellent addition to coastal homes, allowing natural light to enter spaces that may not have access to external walls. They can be strategically placed to brighten up specific areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
3. Reflective surfaces
Strategically placing mirrors and other reflective surfaces can amplify the natural light in your home. When positioned opposite windows or glass doors, they bounce light around the room, creating a more luminous atmosphere.
4. Light-coloured materials
Using light-coloured materials for walls, floors, and ceilings can help distribute and enhance natural light. Light tones reflect sunlight better than darker shades, making your spaces feel more spacious and airy.
5. Energy-efficient solutions
To manage the intensity of coastal sunlight and maintain a comfortable indoor environment, consider energy-efficient solutions. These may include solar shades, low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, and insulated windows and doors.
6. Considering location
Consider the position of your block and in what direction the sun rises and sets. Generally speaking, in coastal areas like Perth, which is on the southwestern coast of Western Australia, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, following the same pattern as in most places around the world. Understanding the sun’s path can help you strategically plan the placement of windows, skylights, and outdoor living areas to harness sunlight throughout the day.
Case studies: Panamuna Drive and Chalgrove Road
At Makin Homes, we’ve had the privilege of working on several coastal luxury home projects that showcase our expertise in maximising natural light.
Panamuna Drive – Falcon
Our Panamuna Drive home build, nestled along the Western Australian coast, showcases our commitment to bringing the beauty of the ocean indoors. With strategically placed windows and expansive glass doors, this home enjoys uninterrupted views of the sea while welcoming abundant natural light. This three storey home also maximises its coastal surroundings through its open, airy design, which helps to bring the outdoors in.
Chalgrove Road – Madora Bay
The two storey Chalgrove Road build harnesses natural light through cleverly placed windows and light and bright Hamptons inspired interiors. This modern coastal residence effortlessly blends with its environment while providing a bright and comfortable living space. Its expansive balconies invite you to fully embrace the spectacular ocean views.
Create your light and bright coastal oasis with Makin Homes
No matter how far along you are in the research phase, Makin Homes is here ready to be your dedicated partner in creating your dream home.
Just like many of our clients, prioritising natural light during the home design phase is of paramount importance to us. Our dedicated team goes the extra mile to ensure that natural light is at the forefront of our design considerations.
Our team is made up of a team of expert designers and builders specialising in luxury home design and construction. We have a good grasp of the distinctive challenges and opportunities that come with coastal living in Mandurah.
We work closely with you to create a bespoke design that not only maximises natural light but also embraces the unparalleled beauty of the Western Australian coast.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of your custom home build, contact Makin Homes today.
