What does the second light mean in a house project. Living room with a second light - the secrets of beautiful lighting Second light in architecture

Recently, in the construction of houses, the use of such an architectural technique as the arrangement of a second light is very popular. This version of the design of the internal space of the building originated during the construction of the royal choirs, palaces and estates of the medieval era.

Today, not many people know what a second light is in a house project, however, the first modern buildings of this type have already managed to cause heated debate 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 the 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 interfloor ceilings 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 floors high. The interior is decorated with large front chandeliers, sconces and spotlights. On the second floor (in a small part of the room), a ledge is arranged in the form of a balcony, which provides a passage between the levels of the house and can be equipped as a place to relax.

What is attractive about such building projects

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. Increasing the 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 stair structures that provide movement between floors serve as an excellent decoration for the interior of the whole 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 disadvantages of such plans?

Understanding the question regarding what is the second light in the design of the house, it is impossible not to notice that such a layout cannot be called economical. Due to the fact that the overlap of the second floor is practically absent, 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 disadvantage 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, brick and gas silicate blocks are actively used for these purposes, but houses made of timber are the most popular. "Second Light" - the projects are not new, so experienced professionals will be able to correctly make calculations and achieve the optimal balance of temperatures in all rooms.

In what cases it is 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 area of ​​​​the open room is more than 7 times the height of the ceilings, therefore, we are talking about huge buildings.

So, let's sum up. What is a second light in a house 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 correctly 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.

The second light in the house is what a miracle?

The 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. A fashionable and effective technique, which is successful in Europe, is gradually gaining sympathy in the Russian expanses. This option will appeal to people with non-standard thinking, able to appreciate the wide possibilities that open up for design.

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

The meaning of this architectural technique is that the ceilings between the floors are eliminated inside the building. On the second floor, there is either no access at all, or there is a walk-through gallery along the perimeter of the room. Thus, a spacious room is formed, the area visually increases, it becomes possible to provide more efficient natural lighting.

As a rule, this room is used as a front living room, where it will be possible to organize a top-level reception of guests. In addition, the possibility of arranging a second light is provided in mansard-type cottages. If the tenant does not plan to actively use the attic, it makes sense to open the living space to the sun's rays.

The architect in this case can provide for the installation of high stained-glass windows, panoramic windows, giving lightness and airiness to the structure. The lighting project 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.

The second light in architecture has its limitations. In the event that the height exceeds the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, it will look unaesthetic. A person will begin to feel like in a well or a chimney.

Chandeliers, sconces and other subtleties

The second light in the house - what kind of useful invention is this? The designer here can unfold to the full extent of his talent. In particular, the lighting project has more room for variation. It becomes possible to hang a large front chandelier, as in a theater or royal palaces. To ensure uniform illumination of the entire space, it makes sense to install spotlights, sconces.

In the complex, 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 the functional purpose of the resulting premises. The vast space of the first floor should not be turned into an empty lifeless hall. This is a great option for arranging a living room, a reception hall. A 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 should also be used with maximum benefit.

Here you can arrange a bedroom, an office. If this is a palace-type mansion, then the option remains with stairs connecting at the top with protruding balconies or a gallery.

Advantages

The advantages of the second light are immediately revealed to the naked eye. This option makes the room more spacious. The hall is full of sunlight, a wide view of the surrounding space opens up. The facade, decorated with high stained-glass windows or panoramic windows, no longer looks like a blank box with loopholes.

There is a possibility of numerous experiments with various lighting fixtures. You can arrange your own small version of the concert hall with a huge classical chandelier.

disadvantages

"The second light in the house is what an extra expense!" - this is how a person can exclaim, counting every penny with a calculator in his hands. First of all, this is a loss of usable space. A vast space where you can arrange a couple of rooms immediately becomes inaccessible.

There are also problems with heating. The inexorable laws of physics require warm air to rise and cold air to sink accordingly. With conventional radiators, the tenant will intensely heat the space under the ceiling. Wide panoramic windows, implied when installing a second light, will also let a lot of heat out.

Difficulties exist to be overcome...

The disadvantages associated with the device of the second light have been stated above. There is a legitimate question: "What to do?"

The problems associated with heating a living space are easy to solve with current technologies. Underfloor heating is the main solution to the problem of heating when installing a second light. The source of warm air is constantly under the feet of the residents, respectively, there should not be any problems with heating.

Large windows are a source of heat transfer to the outside. And there are solutions to these problems. First of all, it is necessary to arrange window openings on the south side of the building. So the room will receive the maximum amount of sunlight in the winter. In addition, modern glass manufacturing technologies do not stand still. In Europe, low-e glass has been gaining popularity for many years.

It has a unique ability to pass 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 an elite, luxury category. It is worth using this method only when there are enough square meters to satisfy purely aesthetic needs.

The second light is an architectural tradition inherited by us from time immemorial. The majestic Gothic churches of the Middle Ages, the palaces of kings, dukes successfully implemented a trend that is gaining a second wind in our days.

Second light

Second light in architecture - a room with missing ceilings on one or more floors. This design creates a feeling of large space, light and airy.

In the room where the 2nd light is made, there is no ceiling (the ceiling of the 1st floor and, accordingly, the floor of the 2nd floor), that is, it has a height along the ceiling of the 2nd floor compared to the rest of the rooms of the floor, where there are ceilings between floors. That is, for example, there are rooms (rooms) of the house that have a ceiling, while the room with the second light does not have a ceiling.

In general, the second (or third) light is precisely the missing ceilings on one or more floors, creating space (and a very high ceiling of the main floor). Most often, this architectural technique is used in theaters, cinemas, etc.

Literature

• Russian architecture. - 1995.
• Architectural Dictionary.

The second light design was originally conceived in order to illuminate those houses that, in the standard project, seemed gloomy and inhospitable. The absence of a ceiling makes the room appear larger and larger. And the view of the sun's rays that flood the room simultaneously from two levels of windows is incomparable with anything.

As a rule, living room interiors are created with a second light. Thus, even the most ordinary room turns into the quintessence of style, and the increase in free space allows you to breathe deeply, it begins to seem as if the air in the house itself has become cleaner and fresher.

Abroad, the design of houses with a second light is very common, almost none of the luxurious modern apartments can do without using this technique. In our country, the second light in the interior is treated with caution, as always, for fear that the builders will not cope and something will go wrong.

Unfortunately, these concerns are not unfounded. You need to be very careful when choosing a company that will work on the creation of your second light. However, if you think carefully, the interior of a house with a second light will only please you.

The second light is usually called additional space attached to the room at the expense of the second floor. In such a room, you can make large windows that will give a lot of light. Hence, apparently, the name "second light" came about. Most often, the second light is arranged in the living room, as it gives the living room additional volume and solemnity. And the living room is the most ceremonial room in the house. However, the area on the second floor, which could be used as a room, is lost. Of course, this is not entirely rational. Therefore, projects of houses with a second light should be recommended to those who first of all want to have a representative living room.

If you want to build a practical house without frills, in which it is necessary to provide for many rooms for various purposes, then the second light can become an unaffordable luxury.

Another argument against is impracticality in terms of heating. If the ceilings are very high and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe second light is large, then the following will turn out: at the top it is hot, but at the bottom it is cold. This problem can be solved by providing the required level of heating and taking care of high-quality insulation of the ceiling structures and the roof itself above the volume of the second light.

In order not to experience a lack of heat below, you should not ignore the possibility of installing a warm floor. The temperature in the house will also depend on the quality of the windows, because the second light implies a large glazing area.

If the windows of the second light face the sunny side, then this will provide an additional influx of heat and light.

Architects recommend taking into account the proportions of the house. In other words, it is undesirable to make the height of the ceiling of a room with a second light greater than the area: otherwise the room will have the shape of a well or a pencil case, which is not always aesthetically pleasing.

If you correctly plan and place heating devices, insulate the roof with high quality and carefully install windows, then it is easy to achieve the desired effect. Then, to heat a house with a second light, you will need the same amount of fuel as for a house that does not have it.

During the construction of a country house, sometimes a second light is used. The opinion of people on such a layout is divided into three groups. The first want the second light to be present in their house, the second do not know if it is expedient, and the third simply refuse.

So what is the second light? This is the lack of overlap between floors in one or more rooms. This approach is used to increase the visual space. In other words, the second light combines two floors into one.

When planning a second light, panoramic glazing is often used, it looks spectacular.

Opinions on the layout of a house with a second light are divided.

1. “The second light is power, showiness, strength and originality!” - argue supporters of the arrangement of the unification of floors.
2. “The second light is impractical! It eats up usable space. A simple hole appears, which can serve as a danger. This is how the skeptics explain their point of view.

So who is right? There is no single consensus. Everyone is different, everyone has their own tastes and preferences. Someone likes one, and the second another. But it is worth considering both sides of the opinion. Give arguments for the arrangement of the second world and against it.

Advantages of the second world

The arrangement of the second light will give the building solidity. It will have the feeling that the room is large in volume. This is lacking in typical apartments in which the ceilings are not very high. This approach will give effect, relative to other houses. In a house with a second light, there is no question that the owners do not have enough space, and they save every square meter.

The second light, in most cases, is equipped in the living room. This is one of the central rooms in the house, and guests will appreciate this layout. At the same time, from the second floor there is a beautiful view of the living room.

Second light looks aesthetically pleasing and gives additional beauty to the whole structure. There are various thoughts on the layout and use of the second light. Fantasy is played out, especially among creative people.

You can plan a fireplace, and gather the whole family around it in the evenings. On weekends, guests and friends will bask in the warmth of the fire. This gives a cozy atmosphere and tenderness.

At the second light glazing can be made panoramic. This will bring even more light into the room. Double-glazed windows can be replaced with stained-glass windows. At the same time, the living room will sparkle with various colors of the rainbow, and will constantly delight with new drawings.

In the second light, it is possible to install tall trees or flowers. The height of the ceilings will allow this to be done, and the glazing will provide the necessary light.

Cons of second world

The main disadvantage is loss of usable area. When arranging a second light, you can lose one or two rooms. But at the same time get a large, spacious room.

If the house is planned to be several hundred square meters, then it is possible to equip the second light with minimal sacrifice, which will not affect the necessary premises. When constructing a building with a minimum amount of space, but at the same time it should contain several rooms, it is unlikely that a second light will be made.

Minus also in heating. According to the laws of physics, all heated air tends to rise, while cool air sinks. In the cold season, when the room is heated with a second light, it will be warm upstairs and cool downstairs.

When designing a second light, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of replacing light bulbs in lighting fixtures. Determine how windows and ceilings will be washed.

If the walls are not decorated with decor, then there will be a feeling of discomfort and emptiness.

In the second light there is greater audibility. Sounds from a large room are carried throughout the building. This can create drafts.

When arranging a second light, it is necessary take care of heating. Such a problem should be approached comprehensively.

Consider the insulation of the shelf in a room with a second light. This will minimize heat loss.

Carefully consider the choice of heating devices. Experts advise installing radiant heating systems. They can be mounted on the ceiling and hidden under the exterior trim. When heat is released, they will heat the floor of the room and the air below. This all-in-one solution with main heating will help make the room warmer.

• Install underfloor heating on the ground floor. This will allow you to be in comfortable conditions, and not feel cool. Remember that warm air tends to rise.
• Determine the number of heating systems you need. You can use specialists who will accurately say the power for heating.
• To minimize heat loss, glazing should be responsibly approached. When arranging the second light, windows are installed on a large area. They are conductors of cold air and the loss of warm air.
• When planning a house, second light and panoramic windows are best designed on the south side. This will provide auxiliary light, and will additionally heat the room with the help of sunlight.
• If you provide for all the nuances in the insulation of the room, and the proper installation of appliances. That heating a house with a second light will cost the same as a house without it.
• When considering the pros and cons of the second light, it is now easier to answer the question: “To equip the second light or not?”.
• With the second light, usable space is lost, but is it very necessary? Most of the time, family and friends spend in the living room, which impresses with its size and scope. Nice to sit in a large room with a fireplace.
• When building a country house, I want to move away from the stereotypes of city apartments, build a room with large areas and scope. For this, it is not necessary that the building be several thousand square meters, you just need to correctly design the second light.

Or panoramic glazing, you should pay attention to the projects of houses with a 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, the attic gives the high room a special flavor, monumentality, gives rise to a feeling of spaciousness. Stained glass inserts are often used to enhance the effect.

Features of a cottage with a second light

When choosing a house with overhead light, you need to understand that this will require a rather complex, professionally calculated project. Internal planning should take into account:

• that the usable area of ​​the building is reduced, since part of the ceiling is missing;
• good insulation of the roof is necessary so that warm air rising up does not “disappear”;
• an engineering heating system often provides for the arrangement of a "warm floor";
• the choice of double-glazed windows is 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. In a two-story building, large windows are usually provided - 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 a winter garden there. Very often, a large balcony is built upstairs, encircling the gallery - they offer a view 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 m 2 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 m 2), the second - a 4-storey cottage of 500 m 2. An interesting technique has become an effective design solution for modern rooms in high-tech and minimalist styles.

From small apartments with a bedroom under the ceiling to country mansions with an open second floor: we often publish photos 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 overlying floors. 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 platform in the volume of a double-height room with an area of ​​\u200b\u200bnot more than 40% of the floor area of ​​\u200b\u200ba double-height room or an internal platform of an apartment located within a floor with an increased height, having an area size of not more than 40% of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room in which it is being built ( SNiP 31-03-2001).

The mezzanine can be either a small balcony a meter from 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, it's beautiful. Such a house is associated with a luxurious bohemian or aristocratic life, and objectively being in a space with an abundance of light and very high ceilings is pleasant.

Save/waste space. Everyone who is considering whether to make a second light in a room two full stories high is tempted... not to do it. Indeed, the 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 make a full-fledged second floor, the mezzanine can be added up to 40% of the area and will unload the main level of the house.

Light. Regardless of whether you install panoramic windows or leave them in two rows, a 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 overlap between floors and high empty walls create excellent acoustics, so even not the loudest sounds will reach the top. Fans of open floor plans and large common spaces will love this effect, but if there are children in the house or the sleep patterns of family members are very different, this can be a problem. Dense curtains and other sound-absorbing coverings can help a little.

Stairs. In two-story houses, it cannot be avoided, but if you are going to build a mezzanine in a still ordinary apartment, think twice. A small daily physical activity for a healthy person will only benefit, but for young children, the elderly and people with injuries, stairs can become a serious obstacle. In addition, a full-fledged staircase takes up a lot of space, and often it is made very steep or simply put attic.

Cleaning. A room with a second light is 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 an ordinary ladder may not be enough for this.

Heating. Spacious houses with double-height rooms are often difficult to heat: warm air goes upstairs into a useless space. In such cases, it is advised to install radiant heaters or make a warm floor.

Ventilation. Double-height rooms are usually used as common rooms, but bedrooms are arranged under the ceiling, so you need to check if the house is well ventilated, and, if possible, make a second level close to the ventilation hole. Otherwise, you risk constantly not getting enough sleep due to stuffiness.

The project of a two-level workshop for a creative family

Choice of furniture and decor. The decor of the double-height space is a real challenge, both complex and interesting. It, for example, requires more massive furniture, so you can afford to buy a huge leather sofa. But the main thing to consider 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, a pattern of a carpet will be read much better, but something superfluous can also get into the field of view. The design of high walls, which without decor will seem too bare, can also become a problem.

P.S. If you like double-height spaces and want to learn more about them, stay tuned to our blog. Tomorrow, designer Evgenia Topilskaya will tell and show how to organize a mezzanine in a city apartment using the example of a real project.

Cover photo: superdom.ua