03. Optimising The Sunshine in Our Interiors: Insights from an Interior Designer Sun Lover based in London

Autumn begins tomorrow, September 23rd... In the final hours of summer in 2023, I wanted to create this podcast, this episode is made for all who want to understand the run path and its impact on our layout as it is crucial when designing a building or room. The run path refers to the direction in which a building or room is oriented, specifically in relation to the cardinal points: North, East, South, and West. The orientation of a room affects various aspects, including how natural light, warmth, and ventilation are received. Let's delve into each cardinal direction: 1. North: Rooms facing north typically receive the least direct sunlight throughout the day. This can be advantageous in warmer months as it keeps the room cooler, but it may lead to a lack of natural light. To maximize light in north-facing rooms. 2. East: Rooms facing east benefit from abundant morning sunlight. This can be ideal for breakfast areas or rooms where you want to wake up to the gentle warmth of the rising sun. However, in the afternoon and evening. 3. South: South-facing rooms enjoy consistent sunlight throughout the day, making them well-suited for living areas and spaces where you desire ample natural light. In winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, these rooms receive more warmth.  4. West: Rooms facing west receive strong afternoon sunlight, which can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the evenings.  Additionally, it's essential to consider the inclination of the sun in different seasons. In the British climate, the sun's angle varies significantly between winter and summer. In winter, the sun remains lower in the sky, resulting in shorter daylight hours and less direct sunlight. Therefore, maximizing the capture of low-angle winter sunlight is crucial for natural heating and lighting. This may involve using larger south-facing windows and minimizing obstructions like tall trees or neighboring buildings. Conversely, during summer, the sun takes a higher path across the sky, resulting in longer daylight hours and more intense sunlight. To avoid overheating in summer, architects may incorporate design features like overhangs, blinds, or reflective coatings on windows to reduce solar heat gain and ensure comfortable living conditions. In conclusion, solar orientation and the layout of a room in relation to the cardinal points play a significant role in the comfort and functionality of a building, and analyzing it provides us with a wealth of super important information for our project. Strategically designing spaces to harness or mitigate sunlight is always my first starting point. Happy Friday… and Until Next Friday  MPx