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Collection by William Lamb

Let It Shine: 7 Elegant Clerestory Windows

Clerestory windows have been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians, and there's a reason for their staying power. By drawing sunlight from high spaces, clerestory windows help bathe a room in natural light, even when angles aren't optimal. Here are some creative uses of this enduring feature.

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A band of clerestory windows illuminates the interior. The walls are recycled brick, whose thermal mass insulates the house. "One of the most challenging aspects of the build was negotiating a tight budget; however it was also one of the most exciting aspects and led in part to the refined palette of raw materials which give the home so much of its character and echo the pastural vernacular of the old cow shed," says Carter.
A band of clerestory windows illuminates the interior. The walls are recycled brick, whose thermal mass insulates the house. "One of the most challenging aspects of the build was negotiating a tight budget; however it was also one of the most exciting aspects and led in part to the refined palette of raw materials which give the home so much of its character and echo the pastural vernacular of the old cow shed," says Carter.
After a 40-year-old pine tree fell over on a Brentwood estate in Los Angeles, the owner let it lie, and the continued to grow from its newfound horizontal position. He decided to incorporate it into a 172-square-foot office and guest house with the structure floating above the tree. Around the perimeter of the butterfly roof is a clerestory that gives the illusion that the roof is floating.
After a 40-year-old pine tree fell over on a Brentwood estate in Los Angeles, the owner let it lie, and the continued to grow from its newfound horizontal position. He decided to incorporate it into a 172-square-foot office and guest house with the structure floating above the tree. Around the perimeter of the butterfly roof is a clerestory that gives the illusion that the roof is floating.
Copenhagen-based architect Martin Kallesø was tasked with a simple program: create a freestanding guest room so that visitors have a private place to lay their heads. The interior is small, but comfortable. It fits a double bed, coffee table, and chair. The bed is recessed into the wall so as not to waste any space.
Copenhagen-based architect Martin Kallesø was tasked with a simple program: create a freestanding guest room so that visitors have a private place to lay their heads. The interior is small, but comfortable. It fits a double bed, coffee table, and chair. The bed is recessed into the wall so as not to waste any space.
Natural light filters in through a series of apertures, including a clerestory window above the kitchen area. Just below, a Ligne Roset chair rests on the terrazzo floor.
Natural light filters in through a series of apertures, including a clerestory window above the kitchen area. Just below, a Ligne Roset chair rests on the terrazzo floor.
The clerestory windows were originally screens covered by sliding plywood panels that could be opened to allow in light and air.
The clerestory windows were originally screens covered by sliding plywood panels that could be opened to allow in light and air.
Judith and Maple at work in the living space, which has a deck off the side and a view of the neighbors' house.
Judith and Maple at work in the living space, which has a deck off the side and a view of the neighbors' house.