How can I maximize natural light with a 10' porch?
Lyns06
12 years ago
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12 years agoRelated Discussions
How to Maximize Palm Growth During Heat Waves
Comments (15)i.) Try to post a pic (helps with determining pot size dimensions) ii.) Now a personal RANT: One of my pet peeves is commercial mixes--they can be HORRIBLE! MG sells a potting soil that is virtually PEAT MOSS. I made a big MISTAKE using this disastrous product years ago and I am STILL working to improve the soil. The soil just bakes in the heat and once it is dry, it is virtually impossible to rehydrate. When a soil gets to the point that it virtually repels water it is said to be 'hydrophobic'. You could stand there with the hose forever and the soil remains BONE DRY. Last few days, I have been working to improve the soil in my entire collection (especially for the citrus and palms), by adding humus and coast sand--seems to be working. I know you purchased the 'cactus and soil mix' but I have found this product to nearly as peaty as the standard mix.--Which is absolutely RIDICULOUS for cacti, succulents or citrus. I purchase the MG product of standard soil and essentially use it as PEAT MOSS--again mixing it with good quality humus and coarse sand (don't use the sand marketed as Tropical Play Sand. You can get coarse sand at HD in the construction section--it'll say multipurpose and include gardening uses. iii.) If you have never fed, this may be a big part of the problem, especially since your mix probably peat heavy and STERILE. iv.) How do you define "good sun"? v.) How much watering is "a lot"? Also, how long has it been it's current pot and location. Sometimes, plants appear to be doing nothing but actually growing roots and preparing for a growth spurt! Happy palm gardening!...See MoreWill I have enough natural light in my house?
Comments (12)Solar tubes and sun tunnels are the same thing, just different brand names. We actually have a sun tunnel although I called it a solar tube in my post. Sun tunnels and solar tubes let in diffused light and the amount of light depends upon the size of the solar tube. We have a sun tunnel in a very small interior bathroom and one sun tunnel lets in enough light so that you can use the bathroom during the day without turning the light on. You should go and see for yourself the amount and type of light that you get from a sun tunnel/tube. If you want sunny light, you should go with a traditional sky light. If you want general background light during the day so that you can use an area during the day without turning on a light, then a sun tunnel/tube works well. As for the windows on the south that look out to a covered deck, I recommend that you find a house with the arrangement and see for yourself--go to open houses in your area. It's hard to tell from your floor plan how big/tall the windows are in your great room, and that will make a difference. However, the light that comes in from windows facing south is much different than the light that you are used to from your current west facing windows and then having those windows look at at a covered deck makes a difference too--you really need to see it for yourself to see if it works for you. The color of your covered deck will make a difference too--if the decking, railings,etcs. are white, it will reflect light and you'll get more light into your great room through the deck. If it's dark brown, it will absorb light and less light will make in into the great room. Also, the height of the roof over the deck will make a big difference too. I have seen covered decks/porches with skylights like another poster suggested, and they work great. It looks like your breakfast nook has lots of windows and they will bring in a lot of light to your kitchen. Good luck!...See MoreHELP - trying to maximize natural light in great room w screen porch
Comments (15)@lmkbuild BTW - we're also going to be building in AL and are in a similar solution. Screened in porch off the main living area blocking light. But, we are facing west so likely to get strong sun. You can see pictures of the rear elevation here (https://www.houzz.com/discussions/custom-house-kitchen-feedback-needed-dsvw-vd~5154367). To get more light, we have a dormer situation up top, but also other dormers so it doesn't seem "added in as an afterthought". Not sure how to phrase that without offending you. Not an architect, nor even a designer, but perhaps fake dormers might help?...See MoreLarge Covered Back Porch -- Need Ideas for More Natural Light
Comments (55)DK, I’m glad you mentioned that having the back of the home facing south would mean the master suite would be warmer as well. I don’t think that would be optimal in the Deep South - it’s just sweltering, and I cannot tolerate being hot in our bedroom. Is it crazy that I may now try to position our new home to AVOID the hot afternoon sun??!! I like light and all, but since it was mentioned that it won’t be a dungeon, I think I’m good with just some light trickling in the living room. Hubs is very sensitive to light and would be as happy in a cave... so he’s not too concerned about a lot of natural light coming in. We are doing lots of recessed lights throughout the home, and almost all will have dimmers, as I enjoy them in our current home and like the ability to have something in between dark and “in your face bright” on occasion. :) Funny you mention landscaping, as my husband owns a landscape company! I know nothing about any of it, but I’ve heard him mention things like this several times when a client wants ABC plants for a certain location, but only XYZ plants will thrive there. After speaking with my husband about the whole skylight/sun tube issue, he was not a fan - and for the exact same reasons given here (additional heat, “putting holes in the roof”/compromising structural integrity, additional cost, cost of potential repairs, etc... so it sounds like that’s out. He did say he might consider a couple of skylights in the roof on the covered porch only, but feels like that defeats the purpose of a COVERED porch. I mean, he’s not wrong there. LOL All that said, there has been a ton of good information given, and I appreciate all of it! I welcome and appreciate any and all suggestions and opinions - I’ve learned so much from y’all! Keep ‘em coming!...See MoreLyns06
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