Recently, in the construction of houses, the use of such an architectural technique as the arrangement of a second light has been very popular. This design option for the interior space of the building originated during the construction of the royal choir, palaces and estates of the medieval era.

Today, not many people still know what a second light is in a house project, however, the first modern buildings of this type have already managed to cause heated debates about their relevance today. What are the differences between such projects and what features do they have?

Distinctive features of houses with a second light

To begin with, let's consider what a second light is in a house project. This architectural idea is based on the unification of the space of two or more floors in one or more rooms of the building. In simple terms, in such rooms there are no between adjacent levels of the house, due to which the room is more filled with natural sunlight, it becomes much more voluminous and airy.

In most cases, projects of houses with a second light are complemented by huge panoramic windows, two or three stories high. The interior is decorated with large grand chandeliers, wall lamps and spotlights. On the second floor (in a small part of the room) a ledge in the form of a balcony is arranged, which provides a passage between the levels of the house and can be arranged as a place for rest.

Why are such building projects attractive?

Most often, such architectural solutions attract people who know firsthand what a second light is in a house project, and have already managed to appreciate all the advantages of this layout. The key advantages of double-height rooms include:

1. An opportunity to emphasize the high status of the owner of the house, to give the building luxury and solidity.
2. Increase in natural lighting of the room during daylight hours, airiness and spaciousness.
3. The ability to bring to life the most daring design ideas for installing artificial lighting. The huge height of the ceilings allows you to focus on massive chandeliers made of glass, crystal or pendant lamps, decorated in a wide variety of styles.
4. Elegant staircase structures that allow movement between floors are an excellent decoration for the interior of the entire house.

The unusual layout of the building, stained glass windows, fireplaces and other decorative elements fill the room with notes of solemnity and sophistication, which is very appropriate for elite class houses.

What are the negative aspects of such layouts?

Understanding the question of what a second light is in a house project, it is impossible not to notice that such a layout cannot be called economical. Due to the fact that there is practically no overlap of the second floor, the future owner of the house loses at least 1-2 rooms, and this is the main argument of the opponents of these projects. Since the usable area of ​​the building is significantly reduced, it is not advisable to equip double-height rooms in houses where the area is less than 120 m².

The second drawback is usually called the complexity of calculating the heating system, which is associated with the need to create the same microclimate in rooms with different ceiling heights. In these calculations, the thermal characteristics of the material from which the building is erected also play an important role.

Today, bricks and gas silicate blocks are actively used for these purposes, but houses from a bar are most popular. "Second Light" - projects are not new, so experienced specialists will be able to correctly calculate and achieve the optimal balance of temperatures in all rooms.

When is it advisable to choose a layout with a second light

How to make a second light in a room like a wooden house? There are various projects, besides, you can make an individual one, for yourself. Architects recommend giving preference to such solutions only in cases where the open room area is more than 7 times the height of the ceilings, therefore, we are talking about huge buildings.

So, let's summarize. What is a second light in a home project? First of all, this is an opportunity to get rid of boring standard layouts and make your home unusual and bright. And if you competently approach the process of construction and planning of the heating system, then the erected building will delight its owners not only with beauty, but also with warmth and comfort.

Anyone who dreams of their own home, first of all, wants to see the project of an aesthetically attractive home. The easiest way to make your home spacious and sophisticated at the same time is to create a house project with a second light. What is a second light in a home project? Should we provide for it?

The second light in the house - what is this know-how?

The absence of overlapping between floors does not always mean that the project includes a staircase. If in the project the interfloor overlap covers about half of the area of ​​the first floor, this means that the house has a room with a second light.

In all house projects, a room with a second light is illuminated through windows located on the first and second floor levels. The concept of "second light" means the presence of additional upper tier windows in the same room. Double-height spaces are distinguished not only by high ceilings. They have much more natural light and air.

Variants of using a double-height room in projects are limited by the function of a common room. Any ceremonial hall plays such a role, for example, a living room, a dining room, a library.

History of second light technology

A double-height space is a long-familiar architectural and planning technique in residential building projects. Its prototype is considered to be the atrium in an antique residential building, and the countdown of the time of its appearance can be traced back to the period when, during the era of the Roman Empire, they learned to make glazed windows. They were used for glazing the ceiling (and not the walls of the second tier, as in our time) to illuminate the front room from above.

In the Middle Ages (VI-XII centuries), with the appearance of colored stained-glass windows, not only the second light, but also the third one appeared in the dwellings. The premises became so high that they had a platform at the top for holding knightly tournaments during unfavorable weather conditions. But halls with a lot of natural light were only in the palaces of nobles and aristocrats.

In the era of Gothic architecture (XII-XIV century), the technology of the second light reached its climax. Building technologies now made it possible to erect high floors through the use of columns with buttresses - additional supports. The space between the windows was filled with colored stained-glass windows on religious themes. The architects made natural light colored, and the space became extremely bright and delicate. Only the wealthiest people in the city could afford such housing.

The classical period (XII-XIV century) proved to be the most suitable for the use of the second light. At this time, thanks to the variety of design possibilities, various options for its use began to appear - in a suite, in a space with the use of stairs and mezzanines of the upper tiers, for improved illumination of round halls and rooms. From that moment on, the architecture of the double-height rooms was constantly supplemented and complicated.

Pros and cons of second light

Dignity

1. High ceilings that everyone who lives in standard apartments wants to have.
2. The lighting system incorporated in the project, which will allow large quantities of sunlight to enter the room. This will be especially appreciated by those who are used to living in an apartment with windows on one side.
3. An opportunity to create a project with interesting architectural forms, original design, attractive artificial lighting.
4. Possibility to complete a project with an unusual facade architecture.

Disadvantages of it

1. Loss of usable area. But if the issue of a deficit of usable area is not worth it, then this drawback in the project can be ignored.
2. The need to develop a special heating system in the project - floor heating, thermal insulation of the ceiling and walls, non-standard placement of radiators.
3. Household difficulties associated with the maintenance of a high room (the need to wash high windows and lighting fixtures, difficulties in placing textile decor on the windows).
4. Large expenses for arrangement and maintenance.

Space planning

The project is carried out according to the principle of clear zoning of space, taking into account the presence of such mandatory elements:

• stairs;
• the upper tier, participating in the formation of a double-height space;
• natural and artificial lighting;
• fireplace (if available).

Before performing zoning of space, it is necessary to determine the purpose of a two-story room. Most often it is a living room, sometimes a dining room.

At the zoning stage, the project takes into account the location of the premises on the second floor. Bedrooms should not be located too close to the second light in order to minimize noise levels.

In order for a two-story room not to look like a "well", it must have a larger area. This area includes a staircase with run-in steps.

Distinctive features of houses with a second light

1. In projects, a two-story room is often guided by the main facade of the house and is indicated by architectural techniques - large windows or panoramic glazing, unusual volumes, original completion or decor.
2. Most often, these buildings are two-story. Projects of houses with an attic can also include a double-height space. This visually increases the space and will be a fairly profitable investment for the owner.
3. The interior of a room with a second light almost always consists of open structures - columns and a ceiling that rests on them, which can be designed in the form of a balcony in the project.

Why are such building projects attractive?

Projects of houses with double-height rooms always fascinate with a large amount of air, attract with the possibility of organizing holidays with a large number of guests, installing high design elements (Christmas tree, chic chandelier).

Points to remember when designing a second light

The interior is designed so that the room does not seem too high, does not frighten with infinity, but, on the contrary, is intimate and cozy. To do this, projects use design techniques based on the use of horizontal division, visually slightly reducing the height of the room.

A fireplace is often used to create comfort. If the project provides for the combination of the living room, dining room and kitchen, then instead of a fireplace, a compact heating and cooking stove will do.

When it comes to the design of a room with a large number of windows, the placement of the building on the site, which is also foreseen in the project, is of great importance. If the glazed facades overlook the protected area, then it is possible not to provide for the curtain of the windows at night. On the contrary, street lighting from the façade will enrich the evening illumination in the rooms.

When is it advisable to choose a layout with a second light

The presence of a second light is justified if the following conditions are met:

1. If the total area of ​​a residential building is more than 120 m².
2. If it is possible to design the space of the second light not narrow and long, but in shape close to a square.
3. If the height of the floors in the building project is not more than 3 m.

Technical features of the architectural solution second light

1. The structural scheme implies the presence of supports, consoles and an established spacing of the bearing elements.
2. The height of the double-height room is at least 5 m, therefore, the participation of a heat supply specialist is required in the development of the project.
3. In the presence of panoramic glazing in a room with a second light, a special facade design is required in the project, especially if it is a wooden building.
4. Improved sound insulation is needed for the second floor rooms.

Output

The second light is a way available to many to make their home not only large and spacious, but also luxurious, similar to a palace from the past. This is a sign of the material well-being of the owners. It doesn't matter which design you choose - aristocratic medieval or chic classic, ultra-modern high-tech or cozy chalet - this architectural technique will help to create an atmosphere of grandeur.

The interior in the house plays an important role, as it sets the general tone for any room, making it unique and inimitable. One of the most effective ways to create a beautiful design in a house, especially a wooden one, is an interior with a second light. This design looks especially impressive in the living room in any style (classic, modern, provence, etc.).

This article will tell you about what an interior with a second light is, as well as its features, pros and cons.

Features of the organization of such premises

The rooms in which the design with the second light is designed are spatially high rooms. They are always full of light, thanks to the numerous windows placed along the side walls. Most often, such an interior can be found in a private suburban wooden or brick house. But some craftsmen manage to do it even in a city two-story apartment.

Note! Using the design in the style of "second light", you need to think through everything to the smallest detail. Otherwise, the interior will not work.

A variant of such an interior

Often this design in the house requires large panoramic windows that overlook the courtyard. That is why it is best to arrange such a design in a living room in a private ordinary or wooden house.
Despite the fact that the "second light" will look beautiful in any style, it is best to organize it in the classic version or Provence.
In this case, the living room itself can be of two types:

• with open space, decorated in any style (classic, modern, provence, etc.);
• zoned out with decorative partitions. This option is suitable for the Provence style, where the partition can add extra softness.

Note! The design of a room with a second light is most often used in living rooms. But it is also suitable for organizing dining space.

Both options can be easily used in a private house (wooden or ordinary brick), as well as in two-story apartments. Both types of living room in this form will look really gorgeous. Although in a private house it will still be better to organize an interior with a second light in an open and spacious living room.

Advantages and disadvantages of this design solution

The interior, where the second light is supposed, has the following advantages:

• such a design can be organized in any style (classic, minimalism, baroque, provence, etc.). But it looks most beautiful in the classic and Provence style;

"Second light" in the classic style

• the room takes on an aristocratic appearance;
• natural light that comes in through large windows provides full lighting in the living room;
• the ability to decorate a room even in dark tones, thanks to high-quality natural lighting;
• visual expansion of space;
• the ability to place massive furniture in the room;
• sunlight enters the room from two levels of windows at once;
• windows can cover two floors of an apartment or house at once.

The interior created as a "second light" will make your living room much brighter, more beautiful and more attractive. In addition, no lighting devices in terms of the quality of the luminous flux can be compared with the natural solar illumination of the house.
But, despite its excellent appearance, such a design solution also carries certain disadvantages, which will be especially noticeable at the stage of project implementation. The disadvantages here include:

• the high cost of the project, which arises from the need to make redevelopment. This disadvantage is especially noticeable when working in two-story city apartments;
• need a lot of living space. Therefore, such a project today is being implemented mainly in private large cottages, where there is, where to turn around;
• the large glass surface leads to significant heat loss in the autumn-winter period. Heat loss can be minimized by using high-quality windows, as well as professional installation. Also, additional heating communications can be placed under them;

Large windows in the interior

• the need to think over the ventilation and heating system. This should be done by specialists, since here you need to take into account many different nuances, which, again, will cost money. Otherwise, warm air will be on top, and cold air below. And this will significantly reduce the comfort of people staying in such a room;
• the presence of the need for additional insulation of the room. Therefore, very often in country houses in such rooms, real fireplaces are installed, giving not only coziness, but also warmth.

As you can see, this design solution has a sufficient number of pros and cons, which makes the question "is it worth it?" quite relevant.

Additional interior lighting

Despite the fact that the design in the "second light" style assumes high-quality lighting in a natural way through wide window openings, artificial lighting is also indispensable here, the need for which arises in the dark.

Living room lighting with a second light

Artificial lighting can be performed here in a variety of ways.

Note! When creating artificial lighting, it is worth focusing on the multilevel premises.

But most often, ceiling spotlights and chandeliers are used, installed at different levels, as well as wall decorative or accent lighting, organized using wall groups of lighting fixtures.

Conclusion

The design with the second light looks very nice and presentable. But to organize it, you need a suitable space, a good street landscape, as well as powerful financial investments. However, at the same time, your living room will take on a completely different look, which will overshadow all the disadvantages of such a design solution.

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