WHEN IT COMES TO “CLERESTORY” WINDOWS, THESE MODERN HOMES TAKE AN INFLUENCE FROM ANCIENT EGYPTIAN TEMPLES.
WORDS: Byron Loker | Shared from Dwell
The term “clerestory” is applicable to Egyptian temples, where the lighting of the hall of columns was obtained over the stone roofs of the adjoining aisles, through slits pierced in vertical slabs of stone.
Here are some examples of modern clerestory window arrangements that similarly aspire towards the heavens.
Modernist Oasis In California
A floor-to-ceiling window frames the dining area of a Canadian family’s getaway in Palm Springs, California, renowned for its iconic midcentury architecture and legendary celebrity habitués. (Photo: Noah Webb)
Adelaide Bungalow in Australia
The shape of the roof eave is designed to allow winter sun into the house while cutting out the hot summer sun.
(Photo: James Knowler)
Seattle Home Studio
The kitchen, framed by Loewen windows, features walnut butcher block countertops, custom made by Dovetail, a Hansgrohe faucet, Franke apron sink, Miele refrigerator and oven, and Thermador cooktop. (Photo: Jill Hardy)
Classic Sarasota School Modernism
Clerestory windows from YKK Commercial give the illusion that the roof hovers above the house—a key factor in keeping the light, modern touch that the homeowners desired. The clerestories were not designed in a single, straight line; the glass drops down where possible to allow the maximum amount of light. (Photo: Joshua McHugh)
Toronto Home Art Studio
In this house’s front room Kent Monkman relaxes on a stool from local retailer Andrew Richard Designs. A new window system draws in sunlight and views of the front courtyard designed by local landscape architect Terry McGlade, the building’s former owner. (Photo: Matthew Williams)
An Inviting Home In Dallas
For this project, the husband loved ultra-modern design, while the wife leaned towards a more traditional aesthetic. How to please both? The designers balanced rustic, exposed ceiling beams with elegant Venetian plaster walls, and artful aluminum storefront windows with functional white oak plank flooring. (Photo: Robert Yu)
Rhode Island Retreat
The architect here used floor-to-ceiling glass for the master bedroom, which leads onto a deck. The goal was to draw the homeowners up like a magnet via design, comfort, and style. (Photo: Chris Cooper)
Bright Brooklyn Loft
Light is invited into the home through the 75-foot wall of windows in the main living area. The changing quality of light animates the living space from day to day and season to season. Lucifer architectural lighting and Polk Audio in-wall speakers add understated function. (Photo: Francis Dzikowski)
Historic Boise Home
This airy addition on the back of an historic house in Boise is a model of sensitive renovation, seamlessly melding new and old. (Photo: Lincoln Barbour)
Quebec Award-Winner
Designed by architects Rick Shean and Christopher Simmonds, a project in Quebec, Canada, was a winner of the 2014 Architects Challenge, a collection of annual submissions each year that display architectural creativity and feature Marvin Windows and Doors. (Photo: Peter Fritz)
Missouri Prairie Home
A system of clerestory windows, positioned underneath a cantilevered roof, strategically filters natural light through the interior. A full-height window in the living area provides dramatic views of passing storms. (Photo: Mike Sinclair)
Midcentury Modern Rennovation
The owners requested that the kitchen act as the center of the home so it was built at the rear of the property. The sink is by Blanco and the faucet is by Grohe. (Photo: Peter Vanderwarker)
Byron Loker
@byronloker
Contributing blogger @Dwell | Surfer | Traveler | Woodworker
