The use of natural light in architecture has become more than just a trend - it’s a cornerstone of modern design. As buildings grow taller and spaces become more expansive, architects and designers are constantly seeking ways to bring the outside in. One of the most effective methods to achieve this is through the installation of oversized glass entrances. These grand features not only make a striking visual statement but also play a pivotal role in maximising natural light within a building. Here, we explore the many benefits of oversized glass entrances and how they can transform your space.
The Benefits of Natural Light
Natural light is a key element in creating a welcoming, productive, and healthy environment. Here are just a few reasons why it’s so valuable:
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Improved Wellbeing: Exposure to natural light has been proven to enhance mood, reduce stress, and increase overall wellbeing. In both residential and commercial spaces, ensuring that occupants have access to ample natural light can lead to happier, healthier lives.
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Increased Productivity: In office settings, natural light is linked to higher productivity and improved concentration. Employees working in well-lit environments are often more motivated and focused, leading to better performance and job satisfaction.
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Energy Efficiency: By maximising natural light, buildings can significantly reduce their reliance on artificial lighting. This not only lowers energy consumption but also reduces electricity costs, making it an eco-friendly choice for businesses and homeowners alike.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Natural light enhances the colours and textures within a space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Oversized glass entrances allow light to flood into areas that might otherwise be dark or uninviting, highlighting the beauty of your interior design.
How Oversized Glass Entrances Maximise Natural Light
Oversized glass entrances are designed to create a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors, allowing as much light as possible to penetrate deep into the building. Here’s how they can be a game-changer:
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Large Surface Area: The sheer size of these entrances means more glass, and more glass means more light. Unlike traditional doors or small windows, oversized glass entrances can span from floor to ceiling, or even wall to wall, ensuring that no light is lost.
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Strategic Placement: When strategically placed, oversized glass entrances can channel light into areas that are usually difficult to illuminate naturally. For example, a large glass entrance at the front of a building can direct sunlight into a central atrium or a corridor, brightening up spaces that might otherwise require artificial lighting.
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Connection to the Outdoors: Oversized glass entrances create a visual and physical connection to the outside world. This not only brings in more light but also offers occupants stunning views and a closer connection to nature, which can be particularly beneficial in urban environments where green spaces are limited.
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Customisation for Optimal Light: At Open Entrances, we understand that every building is unique. That’s why we offer customisable glass solutions that can be tailored to maximise light according to the specific orientation and design of your building. Whether it’s using low-iron glass for greater clarity or opting for tinted glass to control glare, we provide bespoke options to suit your needs.
Practical Considerations
While the benefits of oversized glass entrances are clear, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind:
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Glare Management: While natural light is beneficial, excessive glare can be a problem, particularly in workspaces. To combat this, we offer various glass treatments and coatings that reduce glare without sacrificing light transmission.
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Insulation: Large glass surfaces can sometimes lead to heat loss or gain, depending on the season. However, with advanced glazing options, such as double or triple glazing, you can ensure that your oversized glass entrance is both energy-efficient and thermally comfortable.
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Privacy: In some settings, privacy may be a concern. This can be addressed by using frosted or tinted glass, or by incorporating blinds or other window treatments that can be adjusted as needed.
Transform Your Space with Open Entrances
At Open Entrances, we specialise in designing, manufacturing, and installing oversized architectural glass entrances that not only make a statement but also enhance the functionality of your space. By maximising natural light, our glass entrances help to create environments that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to those who use them.
Whether you’re looking to transform a commercial building, a public space, or a private residence, our team of experts is here to help you realise your vision. Contact us today to discuss how an oversized glass entrance could be the bright idea your project needs.
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of using natural light in modern spaces? Natural light improves wellbeing, increases productivity, enhances energy efficiency, and adds aesthetic appeal to both residential and commercial spaces.
2. How do oversized glass entrances maximise natural light? Oversized glass entrances feature large surface areas, allowing more light to enter a building. They can be strategically placed to channel light into otherwise dim areas, creating a strong connection between the indoors and outdoors.
3. Can oversized glass entrances help reduce energy costs? Yes, by allowing more natural light into a space, oversized glass entrances reduce the need for artificial lighting, thereby lowering energy consumption and electricity costs.
4. Are there options to manage glare from oversized glass entrances? To manage glare, various glass treatments and coatings are available. These solutions reduce glare while maintaining high levels of light transmission.
5. How can oversized glass entrances be energy efficient? Advanced glazing options, such as double or triple glazing, can be used to ensure that oversized glass entrances are energy-efficient, helping to maintain thermal comfort throughout the year.
6. What can be done if privacy is a concern with oversized glass entrances? Privacy can be maintained by using frosted or tinted glass, or by adding adjustable window treatments like blinds that can be customised to your needs.
7. Are oversized glass entrances suitable for all types of buildings? Yes, oversized glass entrances can be customised to suit any building type, whether commercial, public, or residential. Each solution can be tailored to maximise natural light according to the specific design and orientation of the building.
8. How do oversized glass entrances contribute to a building's aesthetics? They enhance the colours and textures of interior spaces by allowing ample natural light to flood in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
9. What materials are available for customising oversized glass entrances? At Open Entrances, we offer a range of materials, including low-iron glass for greater clarity and tinted glass for glare control, to ensure that your entrance perfectly matches your building's design and light requirements.
10. How can I start a project with Open Entrances? To discuss how an oversized glass entrance could enhance your space, contact our team of experts at Open Entrances. We specialise in designing, manufacturing, and installing custom glass entrances that meet your specific needs and vision.
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About the author
Open Entrances is a UK based company that specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of oversized architectural glass entrances. With an ever expanding portfolio of bespoke oversized (tall) revolving and sliding glass entrances, we have become a leading designer and installer of oversized revolving doors and architectural glass entrances within the Greater London area.