Second light in the house - what is it? We can see it in all its splendor in historical films describing the brilliant life of kings in luxurious palaces. Fashionable and effective technique, which is successful in Europe, is gradually gaining sympathy in Russian spaces. This option will appeal to people with unconventional thinking who can appreciate ample opportunities, which open up to design.
A second light in the house - what kind of know-how is this?
The meaning of this architectural technique is that the ceilings between floors are eliminated in the building. On the second floor there is either no access at all, or there is a passage gallery around the perimeter of the room. This creates a spacious room, visually increases the area, and makes it possible to provide more efficient
As a rule, this room is used as a formal living room, where it will be possible to organize a reception for guests. top level. In addition, the possibility of installing a second light is provided in attic-type cottages. If the tenant does not plan to actively use the attic space, it makes sense to open the living space to the sun's rays.
In this case, the architect can provide for the installation of tall stained-glass windows and panoramic windows, adding lightness and airiness to the structure. The lighting design may have different variations. In the literal sense of the word, a person has the opportunity to breathe deeply, since there is a lot of air in the large hall.
Second light in architecture has its limitations for use. If the height exceeds the area of the room, it will look unaesthetic. A person will begin to feel like he is in a well or a chimney.
Chandeliers, sconces and other subtleties
A second light in the house - what kind of useful invention is this? The designer here can unleash the full breadth of his talent. In particular, the lighting project has more possibilities for variations. It becomes possible to hang a large ceremonial chandelier, like in a theater or royal palaces. To ensure uniform illumination of the entire space, it makes sense to install spotlights and sconces.
Together, all devices will provide soft diffused light, which can be easily adjusted as desired.
Space planning
Before decisively getting down to business, you should carefully consider functional purpose the resulting premises. The huge space of the first floor should not be turned into an empty, lifeless space, an excellent option for creating a living room or reception hall. The room with high ceilings also has good acoustic properties. It is perfect for placing a piano or grand piano.
The remaining space on the second floor also needs to be used to maximum advantage.
Here you can arrange a bedroom, an office. If this is a palace-type mansion, then the option remains with stairs connected at the top by protruding balconies or a gallery.
Advantages
The advantages of second light are immediately revealed to the naked eye. This option makes the room more spacious. The hall is full sunlight, a wide view of the surrounding space opens. A facade decorated with tall stained glass or panoramic windows no longer looks like a blank box with loophole windows.
There is the possibility of numerous experiments with various lighting devices. You can arrange your own small option concert hall with a huge classical chandelier.
Flaws
"A second light in the house - what an extra expense!" - this is what a person might exclaim, counting every penny with a calculator in his hands. First of all, this is a loss of usable space. A large space where you can arrange a couple of rooms immediately becomes inaccessible.
There are also problems with heating. The inexorable laws of physics require that warm air went up, and the cold one, accordingly, went down. With conventional radiators, the tenant will intensively heat the space under the ceiling. The wide ones meant when installing a second light will also allow a lot of heat to pass out.
Difficulties exist to be overcome...
The disadvantages associated with the second light device were outlined above. A legitimate question arises: “What to do?”
Problems associated with heating living spaces are easy to solve with current technologies. Warm floors are the main solution to the heating problem when installing a second light. A source of warm air is constantly under the feet of the residents, so no problems with heating should arise.
Large windows are a source of heat transfer to the outside. And there will be solutions for these problems. First of all, it is necessary to place the window openings on the south side of the building. So the premises will receive maximum amount sunlight and winter period. In addition, they do not stand still and modern technologies glass production. In Europe, such material as
It has the unique ability to transmit solar radiation into the room, while delaying the return of heat to the outside.
In any case, houses with a second light are mansions of the elite, luxury category. This method should only be used when there is sufficient square meters purely to satisfy
The second light is an architectural tradition that we have inherited from time immemorial. The majestic Gothic churches of the Middle Ages, the palaces of kings and dukes successfully embodied a trend that is gaining a second wind today.
What happens if panoramic windows make it even bigger on the entire wall? Cottages in which part of the overlap between floors is missing, and in the living room has a height of 6-8 meters, are called houses with second light. This is a rather original and not yet very common technique, which allows you to add more light, freedom and monumentality to the house. Moreover, thanks to the second light, you can create a unique one and enjoy picturesque landscapes at home. Similar decision today used primarily in arranging.
The idea of glass houses is not new; it was embodied in the twentieth century in the form of modernist office and public buildings. and cottages with panoramic views have recently developed; this is the fashion of the twenty-first century. The reasons that hampered the construction of houses with transparent walls in previous periods are not technical, but psychological in nature. A house with one completely glazed wall seemed unprotected and fragile, and therefore there was no demand for such construction. The situation changed when cottage villages with protected areas and large plots began to be built.
From the living room there is access to the premises of the first and second floors. To climb to the second floor, a decorative, screw or marching one is built. Another feature of houses with second light is the need think carefully, because a room with a height of more than 5 meters requires a special approach, and it will not be enough.
Advantages and disadvantages of houses with second light
If we compare all the advantages and disadvantages of such houses, then there are many more of the former, so we can start with them. So, The main advantages of houses with second light include:
- opportunity to create unique design, and sitting in the living room you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful landscapes;
- opportunity to create unique, since in a room with such high ceilings you can use luxurious or a lot of spotlights, or other interesting solutions, with the help of which the house will truly become unique;
- if you like to grow plants, then houses with second light will allow you to create an extensive collection, even arrange one, and at the same time the amount of light will be maximum, and you can afford even the tallest plants;
- huge ones will significantly save on lighting and make the most of natural light;
- the fragility and insecurity of houses with second light has long been refuted. To organize glazing they use durable double glazed windows, which work on the principle of a greenhouse: the sun's rays pass freely through the glass, heat all objects in the house, and are converted into infrared rays, which can no longer pass through the glass.
But also disadvantages of houses with second light also have:
- loss of usable space, because the absence of part of the floors forces you to abandon a couple of not always extra rooms: bedrooms or utility rooms. That is why “second light” is organized only in houses with sufficient space so that this bonus does not cause discomfort;
- ceiling height in living room- This additional difficulties, since it will be almost impossible to change the light bulbs in a chandelier without outside professional help, and this is an extra cost;
- difficulties arise when organization of the heating system, because ordinary radiators, even if there are a sufficient number of them, will not be enough - the laws of physics work. That is why it is better to involve specialists in developing a heat supply system. As a rule, you will need a thermal curtain, when a stream of heated air moves along the glass from top to bottom. Walls and roofs will also help, and as heaters it is better to use those that heat objects in the room, rather than the air.
10 interesting projects of houses with second light
If some of the disadvantages of such houses do not bother you, then you can move on to designing and building such a structure on your site. Of course, you can create your own unique project, taking into account all individual requirements, but you can purchase a ready-made one: it is several times cheaper, and all these projects are thought out to the smallest detail so that the built house is comfortable and cozy. Let's look at the most interesting of them.
No. 1. Grace
This is a chic project two-story house with an area of 319 m2. Excellent for a large family, who can not only relax here for several weeks a year, but also live fully - all the necessary premises are provided. The main part of the first floor is a spacious kitchen-living room, from which opens panoramic view. The area can comfortably accommodate a kitchen and dining area, as well as a relaxation area. In addition, on the ground floor there is a bathroom and a lot of utility rooms for storing things, gardening tools and other things. There is a garage for two cars and a terrace where you can have picnics or just sunbathe.
On the second floor, the project involves placing three bedrooms, one of which has its own bathroom, as well as one more. There are enough recreation rooms for a large family, and a house built according to this project will be comfortable and conducive to relaxation.
No. 2. North
A house built according to this project, unlike the previous one, will be suitable for a small family, who will not spend very much time here, since it is compact and has a minimum of bedrooms. The peculiarity of the house is a spacious terrace, which can become great place holidays and family holidays. total area This two-story house is only 76 m2, so the project is suitable only for a specific group of people.
On the ground floor, as is customary, there is a spacious kitchen with a living room, as well as a bathroom. In that part of the house where there is no panoramic glazing, a children's room is organized and small bedroom. On the second floor, according to the project, you can place a more spacious bedroom and a dressing room.
No. 3. Optimum
Such a house can become a place of complete and varied recreation, and there is enough space for a large family or a large group of friends. The design of this two-story house boasts an area of more than 530 m2. From the ground floor there is access to a huge terrace that can be used in different ways. Also on the ground floor there is a leading to a spacious living room, the decoration of which is the “second light”. The kitchen is separated from the living room and also has ample space and a separate dining area. The kitchen and living room have access to the terrace, so on fine days you can easily have lunch in the fresh air - all products can be easily and easily taken out.
Also on the ground floor there are a couple of bathrooms, a huge gym, a sauna with a swimming pool, a boiler room, a storage room, utility rooms and space for two cars. The staircase from the living room leads to the second floor into the hall, which also offers stunning views from the window. On the second floor there is a bedroom with a separate bathroom and dressing room, as well as three other bedrooms and two additional baths. Such a project is suitable for those who dream of relaxing in their country house with maximum comfort.
No. 4. Greece
This is a project of another spacious two-story house with an area of 302 m2. Both the external and internal solutions are thought out to the smallest detail. So, on the ground floor there is a living room overlooking the terrace and surrounding landscapes. The kitchen and dining areas are nearby, but separated by a short partition. From the dining area there is access to the terrace, so if desired, everything cooked can be easily taken outside to have lunch or dinner in the fresh air. On the ground floor there is also supposed to be a bathroom, a storage room, a boiler room, a wardrobe, as well as a bedroom, from which there is also access to the terrace.
From the living room, a staircase rises to the second floor hall, from where doors lead to three bedrooms, a bathroom and a dressing room, and another bathroom is provided in one of the bedrooms. The end result is a good project country house for a large family.
No. 5. Finnish house
Enough interesting project, according to which you can build a cozy two-story house with an area of 286 m2. Thanks to the layout features, this area will accommodate even more useful objects than in the previous version. The basis of the first floor is a living room with second light. Next to the living room there is a dining area with access to the terrace, and the kitchen is located right there. In addition to these rooms, as well as the hallway and hall, on the ground floor there is a bathroom, a bedroom with a dressing room and a bath, but that’s not all. A special feature of the project is that there is space for a sauna with a shower and a changing room.
As in all other projects of houses with a second light, here the staircase to the second floor leads from the living room and goes to the hall on the second floor. It is also used as a relaxation area, because the view is the same as from the living room. There are also three bedrooms, one of which has a wardrobe and a balcony, and one bathroom for all.
No. 6. Arrow
The design of this house is truly unique and interesting, it is suitable for those who want to achieve original solution, but at the same time not deprive the house of comfort and coziness. The area is 370 m2, there are two floors, and the peculiarity is the presence of a gallery on the second floor, as well as a lot of facilities for rest and relaxation. The house has a unique shape, and on the ground floor there is a living room and a kitchen-dining room, and they are located so that they form a single room, and two walls parallel to each other are completely glazed. In addition, on the ground floor there is a vestibule with an entrance hall, a bathroom, and a hall with access to the bathroom, utility rooms and a gym, next to it there is a passage to the swimming pool, from which you can exit onto a spacious terrace. Best solution I can't think of a place for a relaxing holiday. For convenience, there is space for a two-car garage on the ground floor.
Since the “second light” is actually located on two sides, the second floor is planned using a gallery that leads from the staircase to two children's rooms. Also on the second floor there are two bedrooms and a bathroom.
No. 7. Friends
The name of the project of this house speaks for itself. The rooms here are located and equipped so that there is enough space for a huge group, and so that everyone’s stay is as comfortable as possible. It’s worth noting right away that the house design does not include a garage, but the issue of parking can be solved in a lot of other ways. But on an area of 450 m2 all the necessary rooms are located.
On the ground floor there is a huge living room with second light, it connects to the dining room, which also offers a beautiful view. The kitchen and dining room are combined, and from the latter there is access to the terrace for outdoor dining. Also on the ground floor there is a guest room with access to the terrace and its own bathroom, dressing room, gym with bathtub. The second floor has a spacious hall, a dressing room and four bedrooms, each of which has a separate bathroom - ideal for a large group of friends.
Or panoramic glazing, you should pay attention to the projects of houses with second light, developed by our company. This architectural technique “migrated” to private construction from palaces, theater halls, and public buildings.
Its essence is to combine parts of the 1st and 2nd (and sometimes 3rd) floors into a single space due to the absence of interfloor ceilings. Sunlight penetrating from the windows of the walls and attic gives the high room a special flavor, monumentality, and creates a feeling of spaciousness. Stained glass inserts are often used to enhance the effect.
Features of a cottage with second light
When choosing a house with overhead lighting, you need to understand that this will require a rather complex, professionally designed project. The internal layout should take into account:
- that the usable area of the building is reduced because part of the ceiling is missing;
- necessary good insulation roofs so that the rising warm air does not “evaporate”;
- engineering system heating often involves installing a “warm floor”;
- the choice of double-glazed windows is made based on the calculation of the required parameters to create a comfortable microclimate;
- Thermal convectors are located in such a way as to make the most efficient use of electrical and natural energy.
The planning solution may be different. A two-story building usually has large windows - from floor to ceiling, illuminating the entire room at the same time. Sometimes the emphasis is on attic glazing, especially if they want to place winter Garden. Very often a large balcony and a surrounding gallery are built at the top - they offer views of the living room and the surrounding landscape
In our catalog you can choose a project for a one-story house up to 150, 200 m2 with a second light, and for the construction of a large building. An example of the first is a European-style brick house - No. 57-68K (area 144 m2), the second is a 4-storey cottage of 500 m2. Interesting trick became spectacular design solution For modern premises in high-tech and minimalist styles.
From small apartments from a bedroom under the ceiling to country mansions with an open second floor: we often publish photographs of multi-level dwellings on our blog, so it’s time to understand the terms and list the pros and cons of such a layout.
“The second light is that part of the volume of the room that falls on the plans of the floors above. Simply put, a double-height room occupies two or more floors in height,” explains architect Elina Bogus the strict meaning of the term.
In ordinary speech, we often call the second light not the upper part of the free space, but the rooms located at its level, especially if they are small and open. In this case, it would be more correct to talk about the second floor or tier, or use the term mezzanine.
Mezzanine - p a landing in the volume of a double-height room with an area of no more than 40% of the floor area of a double-height room or an internal platform of an apartment located within a floor with an increased height, having an area of no more than 40% of the area of the room in which it is being built ( SNiP 31-03-2001).
The mezzanine can be either a small balcony a meter below the ceiling or an almost full-fledged room, and in the latter case the remaining space can rightfully be called double-height.
So, what are the features, pros and cons of houses with double-height rooms?
Aesthetics. First of all, it's beautiful. Such a house is associated with luxurious bohemian or aristocratic life, and objectively it is pleasant to be in a space with an abundance of light and very high ceilings.
Saving/wasting space. Anyone who is considering whether to install a second light in a room two full floors high is faced with the temptation... not to do it. Indeed, a second light in a spacious country house is a luxury; in its place it is quite possible to place one or two more full-fledged rooms. On the other hand, in ordinary apartments with very high ceilings, where it is still impossible to create a full second floor, a mezzanine can be added to 40% of the area and will relieve the pressure on the main level of the house.
Light. Regardless of whether you install panoramic windows or leave them in two rows, the double-height room will be bright. This is important if you live in an area where there is little sunlight. True, you will have to make sure that the windows are really well insulated.
Noise. Partially missing ceiling between floors and high empty walls create excellent acoustics, so that even the loudest sounds will reach the top. For lovers open plans Large common spaces will love this effect, but if there are children in the house or the sleep patterns of family members vary greatly, this can become a problem. Thick curtains and other sound-absorbing coverings can help a little.
Ladder. IN two-story houses it cannot be avoided, but if you are going to build a mezzanine for now ordinary apartment, think twice. Small daily exercise stress healthy person It will only be beneficial, but for small children, the elderly and people with injuries, the stairs can become a serious obstacle. In addition, a full-fledged staircase takes up a lot of space, and is often made very steep or simply installed as an attic.
Cleaning. A room with a second light means minus a few square meters of floors that need to be washed, but plus high walls and windows, as well as chandeliers and curtains hanging from the ceiling, which will also need to be cleaned from time to time. The height of a regular stepladder may not be enough for this.
Heating. Spacious houses with double-height rooms are often difficult to heat: warm air goes upstairs into useless space. In such cases, it is recommended to install radiant heaters or install heated floors.
Ventilation. Double-height rooms, as a rule, are used as common rooms, but bedrooms are arranged under the ceiling, so you need to check whether the house is well ventilated, and, if possible, make a second level not far from the ventilation opening. Otherwise, you risk constantly not getting enough sleep due to stuffiness.
Project of a two-level workshop for a creative family
Selection of furniture and decor. Decorating a double-height space is a real challenge, both challenging and interesting. It, for example, requires more massive furniture, so you can afford to buy a huge leather sofa. But the main thing that needs to be taken into account is that you will look at the double-height space not only from the height of human growth, but also from above. An unusual arrangement of chairs or a carpet pattern will be read much better, but something extra may come into view. The design may also be a problem. high walls, which without decoration will seem too bare.
P.S. If you like double-height spaces and want to learn more about them, stay tuned to our blog. Tomorrow, designer Evgenia Topilskaya, using the example of a real project, will tell and show how to organize a mezzanine in a city apartment.
Cover photo: superdom.ua
In big and beautiful house everything should be at the highest level. Especially the interior of the reception room. To create something truly unique, even at the stage of construction of an elite private house, “double light” is included in the project. And the result is something wonderful - a living room with second light. This technique allows you to create a simply unimaginable ambiance in your living room. Especially during the day, when your large living room is filled with gentle sunlight.
Our article will be devoted to the design of a room for receiving guests with second light. We will explain what the term “second light” means in a room. Let us outline the advantages and disadvantages of such living rooms. We will also give some valuable tips on arranging such a specific room.
What is a room with second light?
If we try to briefly define what a room with second light is, we can say that it is a large room with a very high ceiling and a second row of windows, which are located slightly higher than the first row. When you are in such a room, you get the impression that ceiling(or part of it) was removed. And it turned out that the premises of the first and second floors were combined.
Let’s say right away that only owners of very spacious houses can afford this architectural solution. That is why such lighting has been considered a sign of wealth and luxury since ancient times. By the way, such a trick is a very ancient invention. To be convinced of this, just look at interior decoration temples or palaces. In such buildings, a double row of windows has not only an interior, but also a practical function - illumination of a huge space.
In modern big houses“double light” is made not so much for lighting, but to create a unique ambience that cannot be recreated even with the help of the most advanced artificial light sources.
Advantages of a reception room with double light
To better understand the beauty of “double light” in a reception room, you need to consider the main advantages of this architectural element inherent in spacious houses.
- When you are in a reception room with “double light”, you are left with a unique feeling of freedom and spaciousness. It does not and cannot exist in cramped rooms with low ceilings.
- The second light in the room seems to demonstrate the excess of living space and wealth of the owners of such a house.
- A large spacious living room with double light can accommodate a large number of guests and host noisy parties. Even if the people in such a living room will be, as they say, “packed”, due to the high ceilings and large quantity windows will not create a feeling of cramping.
- In such a large room with many windows there will always be “walking” Fresh air, even people with asthma will be quite comfortable in such a room.
- A room with second light is always well lit during the daytime. Even in cloudy weather, you can not use artificial light sources, since natural light quite enough.
- A living room with double light is simply very beautiful, and what’s most interesting is that no matter what interior style you choose for such a room, it will look quite organic in it.
Disadvantages of a room with double light
Having noted the advantages of the second light in the room, it would be wrong not to pay attention to its shortcomings. It is the consideration of the advantages of a given room, along with its shortcomings, that gives a holistic idea of the essence of this phenomenon. What are the disadvantages of a living room with such lighting? 
- Second light is expensive in every sense of the phrase. To have a room with double light, you need to invest a lot of money in the construction or purchase of an elite house, and having invested this money, you will need to sacrifice a lot of useful square meters for the sake of a second row of windows. How justified this is is up to you to decide.
- No matter what anyone claims, it is impossible to cancel the laws of physics; before deciding on a large room with a double row of windows, think about heating it, because heat from the source always tends upward, so it will be warm under the ceiling and cool below. This option, to put it mildly, is not the best, especially for heat-loving owners.
- When planning a large living room with a double row of windows, think about how you will care for these windows? Of course, if you have the means to big house, perhaps you are planning to entrust window care to professionals, this is a good decision, but you need to weigh and evaluate everything first.
Professional builders and designers, who are actively promoting ideas for creating interiors with a double row of windows, offer solutions that eliminate the shortcomings of a room with a second light. Let's take a quick look at these valuable advice, which are aimed at combating heat loss in such rooms.
- The problem of lack of heat in big room with two rows of windows can be solved by doing the following: by properly insulating the roof, installing radiant heating devices that heat the surfaces, not the air.
- Need to take care of installation quality windows, which will keep warm well.
- It is best if you combine two types of heating devices: radiant and classic.
- We think a good solution for a large living room with a double row of windows is the use of heated floors.
To summarize, we note that a reception room with double light is an attribute of the most luxurious and rich home interiors. If you managed to become the owner of a second-class house, then you are most likely an accomplished person in life who values the most comfortable conditions accommodation. When decorating the interior of a living room with double light, pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of such rooms.