Lighting Up the Timber Frame

Back in the day, when I was designing buildings instead of managing projects, I really enjoyed the task of getting natural light into the building. Most of the time, this was just a form of decorative flourish. But when I could make it more integral to the design, that was especially gratifying. I found a number of ways to make windows more than just a punched opening – although there was plenty of that too.

Over on Architekwiki, I shared some of my favorite examples of natural lighting techniques. From towering lobby windows to creative classroom pod designs, there were so many ways to harness the power of daylight. And let me tell you, it was always a thrill to see those timber beams and trusses bathed in warm, natural illumination.

Timber, Trusses, and Thoughtful Daylighting

One of my go-to moves was the classic clerestory window. By bringing light in from above, I could flood the space with a soft, even glow that perfectly complemented the rich texture of the wood. And you know what they say – the higher the ceilings, the better the clerestory works its magic.

Take this college maintenance building, for instance. It didn’t really need any windows, but where’s the fun in that? I had those roof joists bottom-bearing, with the glass butt-glazed and held in place by continuous structural neoprene gaskets. The result? A stunning interplay of timber and natural light that turned a utilitarian space into something truly special.

But clerestories weren’t the only trick up my sleeve. I also loved playing with angles to bring in that precious daylight. Take this one-story office lobby, for example. The scale of the space just seemed to demand something bigger than a typical punched opening. So I went with six towering windows, each measuring 7 by 12 feet and containing a single, massive pane of glass. The effect was both dramatic and functional, flooding the lobby with natural illumination.

Timber Beams and the Art of Daylighting

Of course, no discussion of daylighting in timber-framed buildings would be complete without mentioning skylights. And let me tell you, I had a real knack for designing them. Just take a look at this centrally located lobby in a courthouse building. That drywall-encased skylight added a much-needed aesthetic feature, bathing the space in a warm, diffused glow.

But skylights weren’t the only way I liked to bring light in from above. Sometimes, it was all about playing with the timber trusses themselves. Like in this library, where I used a series of angled, top-facing windows to maximize natural illumination while minimizing glare. Those 45-degree slopes ensured the glass was shaded during the brightest, warmest months – perfect for those bookworms who prefer their reading nooks well-lit but not blinding.

And let’s not forget the power of glass block. Sure, it’s often a bit of an eyesore, but with the right design, it can be a real showstopper. Just look at this warehouse stair enclosure with adjacent office space. Those curved, dimensioned glass blocks added a touch of industrial elegance that perfectly complemented the timber frame.

Bringing it all Together

Of course, daylighting in timber-framed buildings isn’t just about looking good. It’s also about function and sustainability. Take this candy factory addition, for example. The client wanted an environmental showcase, so we pulled out all the stops – geothermal HVAC, photovoltaic panels, and a whole host of other green initiatives. But at the heart of it all were the daylighting strategies, from those iconic roof monitors to the carefully placed skylights.

Energy modeling showed that the combination of geothermal, daylighting, and high-efficiency lighting was the recipe for success. And let me tell you, it was a thrill to see those timber beams and trusses soaking up all that natural illumination, day in and day out.

The Daylighting Toolbox

Now, I know what you’re thinking – that’s all well and good, but where do I even start? Well, Architekwiki has a pretty nifty Design Matrix that can help you brainstorm all sorts of natural lighting techniques. From solar tubes and light shelves to atria and living planted wall screens, the possibilities are endless.

And if you’re looking for some real-world inspiration, you need to check out that “Don’t Do This” series on LinkedIn. Sure, it’s focused on residential spaces, but the principles apply just as well to commercial and industrial timber-framed buildings. Things like avoiding eyeball floods on tall fireplaces, tight coves, and overly bright chandeliers can make a world of difference in creating a comfortable, well-lit space.

So whether you’re designing a new timber building or renovating an existing one, keep those daylighting strategies top of mind. Trust me, the results will be nothing short of illuminating.