Expert Guide: Clear Vision

From placement to panes, the right windows can make your home lighter, warmer and more joyous to be in.

- Shelley Tustin

A SENSE OF PLACEMENT 

Windows can be a phenomenal tool in the battle to keep heating and cooling costs down without compromising on comfort

COOL IT “Even the smallest window in the correct place can make a world of difference in terms of natural cross ventilation,” says architect Angela Jamison of Jamison Architects, who strategically positions windows to capture breezes and reduce the need for airconditioning.

HEAT IT UP In winter, windows can be vital for natural heating, but more is not necessarily better – the key is strategic placement. “Windows protected with eaves, overhangs or awnings to the north are great because this is the best solar aspect for natural lighting,” says Angela Jamison. “In cooler months, when the sun is lower in the sky, it allows the sun in to heat your home naturally, while in summertime, when the sun is higher, the overhangs prevent direct sun coming in.” Avoid west-facing windows if you can to cut out the blazing heat of the western sun.

BLEND IN Though furnishing a room comes further down the track, it’s important to consider at least the basic layout now as your window placement will affect your furnishings and how you’ll use the room. This might mean opting for a half-height window with an entertainment unit underneath, or choosing a high window to allow wall space for a bed.