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December 13, 2007
No corny title, just illumination
Hello, my name is Andrew and I am addicted to sunlight.
Yes it is true, and I am not inclined to seek help for this malady anytime soon.
It seems like such an unfortunate turn of events that we seek shelter from the weather by putting roofs over our heads and then have to figure out how to import illumination to make our living space comfortable and functional. We solve one problem only to create a new one, albeit a lesser problem than freezing to death or living in a water-soaked rambler.
Getting light into dark corners, closets, stairwells, seems to be getting easier with wireless technologies but we are still talking bulbs, wires, and switches. Easy is keen, but I want my light to be organic!
Traditional skylights have evolved over the years and now offer Low-E (low emissivity) to help offset heat gain and loss. This is great and the home that Stacy and I are updating with energy saving technologies will certainly have a few well-placed skylights to let the sunshine in. But what about that long hallway that leads to the bedrooms, or the space above the kitchen where a skylight would have to be installed near the peak of the roofline?
Is there anyway to PIPE natural light in? How can I FUNNEL sunshine into my house? Are there any TOTALLY TUBULAR solutions?
Just in case you missed it, check out what the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) deemed the Top 10 Remodeling Technologies for 2007. Tubular skylights might have come in at number ten on their list, but in my heart these inexpensive little gems of lumens will always be numero uno!
Posted by Andrew Hunt at December 13, 2007 1:25 PM
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Comments
Go to the "Living with Ed" page on HGTV.com and look for the solar tubes(funnels) which is just what I believe you are looking for. They are better than skylights because of less chance of leaking and they take up little space. I think they cheaper to install.
*** Ah yes! Tubular Skylights are a favorite of mine for sure! Thanks for the nod to Ed. ***
Posted by: Mike J. at December 19, 2007 10:36 AM
Andrew--I'm with you; I've always wondered why we can't have the best of both worlds--the glory of the outdoors and the comforts of the indoors. And, I'm even worse. I'd have a glass dome roof so I could stargaze at night, if I could. I wish you luck!
Posted by: Florence Harry at December 19, 2007 1:05 PM
Some time ago, I saw this product on a website ... might have been this one, might have been another. I think it would be great ... however, I am sure it is quite expensive ("call for price" is usually a big indicator of this).
Posted by: Ron S at December 19, 2007 1:55 PM
