At VELUX, we want to provide you with everything you need when it comes to skylights. And that includes inspiration for incorporating natural light in your residential designs.
VELUX's case studies let you see how skylights look and operate in projects similar to the ones you take on. Whether you're working on replacements, cutting holes for brand new skylights, or designing homes with ample natural light, there's a VELUX case study for help and inspiration. Today, we're visiting Frank and Sara Mansbach's skylit home on Hope Street.
Frank and Sara were sure of one thing about their retirement: they wanted to downsize to a home located in a walkable community. They found their ideal location on a piece of property in Greenville, South Carolina, near the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail. The trail stretches 20 miles, connecting the city's downtown to outlying areas and the nearby town of Traveler's Rest. And sidewalks along the trail make it easy for the couple to stroll downtown for an impromptu dinner out.
But the location didn't come without its challenges, as Todd Usher, president of Addison Homes, pointed out:
The lot was incredibly small. [It] had only a 12-foot backyard, so our ability to get light into the back of the house, which happened to be the living spaces, was very challenging. They wanted privacy from the neighbor behind them, yet they wanted natural light. So the VELUX skylights played a key role in bringing natural light into the home.
To solve the lighting and privacy challenges, designers with Addison Homes placed a skylight in the kitchen and two in the living room. Situated high on the roof, the skylights flood the rooms below with natural light throughout the day. The skylights have also played a key role in the home's energy efficiency, helping keep the Mansbach's energy bills low while providing natural light all day.
Check out this video to see the Hope Street home and hear more about how skylights helped with the design and the homeowners' quality of life:
Need more inspiration or looking for something a little different? Check out our website for even more residential and commercial case studies.