how to get max light for a north facing extension

batman1

Having looked at building a single story extension at the rear of the house we are concerned that the kitchen will be very dark when completed. It's a dormer semi d and the extension is 5m x 4m . The extension will be north facing on the eastern side of the rear (ie the gable end of our house faces west so extension will be at the end joining next door.). We plan on removing the rear wall in the kitchen and making it more open plan. The plan is to fit large doors, perhaps bi fold, on the west side of the extension. The extension will be flat roofed as there is a velux window for a bedroom in the existing roof above. We were thinking a large roof light might be good but aren't too sure on their design or quality regarding insulation etc. We want to keep the new north facing wall window free for heat. Any opinions appreciated.

sinnerboy

Use a window here. Don't get fixated on heat loss except consider triple glazing.
We are supposed to live in pleasing homes not energy saving residential pods.
Light should win out here if its a straight up choice between the two.

batman1

sinnerboy wrote: »

Use a window here. Don't get fixated on heat loss except consider triple glazing.
We are supposed to live in pleasing homes not energy saving residential pods.
Light should win out here if its a straight up choice between the two.

We had thought about that also. I suppose our main concern is moving the windows from where they currently are out another 4 odd metres. We think that the existing space will then become dark as we plan to still keep the kitchen in this space and have the extension as a dining/living area. We thought that another 4 x 5 meter roof outside would block natural light coming back into the kitchen.
The builder said we could have a gently sloping roof and put a large velux in if needs be and the architect says a flat roof is the way to go.

Certified

Sounds like a quality flat roof with some modest size roof glazing (triple glazed) is the best option. Wall positioned window(s) looking out onto the rear garden should also be fitted. You should also consider/assess any possible issues of overlooking from the rooms above? (including neighbours). Obscure glazing or blinds may be good to have

sinnerboy

Try this - don't allow the flat roof to connect directly onto the existing eternal wall. Run a continuous steel beam parallel in front of the existing external wall and rest the flat roof onto that. If you locate this beam about 600mm away from the existing external wall you can glaze over continuously to create a light shaft.

This image below is sort of like what I am describing - it is very large in this case. But is that idea scaled down.

sinnerboy

This one is closer to the scale of it - in this case using pitched ceilings not flat.

So what I am suggesting a cross between to two of them.

Hootanany

Just use a Lantern light thats what i used,My extension was the same dimension as your project, mine is 2.4m x 1.8m floods the place with light