Eichler homes, known to be unique and iconic mid-century modern homes, are famous for their traditional look with modern elements, natural materials, simplicity, and clean lines. Although these are mid-century home design-based homes, they still have interconnected indoor-outdoor living based on modern home design patterns. These homes are designed to allow maximum flow of natural light, which is one of the prominent characteristics that make them unique and attractive. In times of the energy crisis and global inflation, maximizing this natural light flow is important when renovating your Eichler home.
Benefits of Maximizing Natural Light in Home Renovations
Eichler homes, with large windows, sliding doors, open floor plans, and indoor-outdoor living spaces are designed to focus on the plenty of natural light flow that creates a feeling of openness, spaciousness, warmth, and a sense of harmony with nature. Natural light provides several health benefits, like mood enhancement, productive power, sleep quality, and circadian rhythms.
Natural light in Eichler homes increases the raw materials, colors, and textures such as wood, stone, glass, and earth tones, as well as showcases architectural features like post-and-beam construction, skylights, atriums, courtyards, and orientation to the sun.
Maximizing the light flow in the Eichler homes during home renovation offers several health benefits such as physical and mental well-being, mood elevation, productivity, anxiety, depression, etc. It balances certain hormones and produces vitamins like D in our body that are essential for bodywork.
Natural light reduces your electric bills, as in the presence of natural light, you do not need to power on the artificial lights. Also, natural light enhances the look and aesthetics of an Eichler home. It creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Unique Features of Eichler Homes That Allow for Natural Light
There are several unique features that an Eichler home contains to allow for natural light to flow through the home, such as Post-and-beam construction. It allows for open floor plans and large windows. Similarly, Eichler homes contain a central atrium that provides natural light to interior spaces. Also, these homes possess clerestory windows that allow light to flow into the home while maintaining privacy.
Please focus on the originality of the home while renovating it. Keep it’s original design and natural light flowing because it distinguishes the Eichler homes from other homes.
Design Strategies for Maximizing Natural Light in Eichler Home Renovations
Multiple design strategies are present that you can apply to enhance the natural light flow in your Eichler home, such as:
- You can choose light colors for wall finishing. These colors reflect the light and increase the natural light flow.
- You can also use mirrors, as they are a good source of light reflection.
- You can also remove the interior walls. It will create more open spaces for natural light to flow.
- Install larger windows from floor to ceiling and doors, and incorporate skylights and light tubes.
- Use lighting fixtures that are well-suited to your home’s design and texture.
Choosing the Right Windows and Doors for Your Eichler Home
Choosing the right size of your windows and doors while renovating your home is imperative. It keeps the natural light’s outflow at its maximum. Consider the following factors when choosing a window and door for your Eichler home:
- The size of the window or door should complement the home’s original design.
- Choose colors for windows and doors that do not compete with the home’s original design and colors. Both colors should complement each other.
- Keep the focus on energy efficiency, use energy-efficient devices and appliances, and focus on your home’s insulation.
Incorporating Skylights and Light Tubes in Eichler Home Renovations
To increase the flow of natural light in Eichler homes, skylights and tube lights in the spaces or central atrium are a good idea. Skylights provide multiple benefits, such as:
- They increase natural light flow and decrease energy costs.
- They also improve the ventilation of your Eichler home and enhance indoor air quality.
- They enhance your home’s aesthetics and increase its design appeal.
- They provide lighting for home designs.
Final thoughts on the importance of natural light in Eichler Homes
Natural light is an essential aspect of Eichler’s home design that creates a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. Maximizing natural light in Eichler home renovations has numerous benefits, including improving mood and productivity, reducing energy costs, and enhancing the home’s aesthetics. When renovating an Eichler home, it is important to consider natural light as a fundamental element of the design. By doing so, homeowners can create a warm and welcoming living space that truly embodies the mid-century modern spirit of the Eichler home.
Author: Hassan Tariq Malik
