I want more natural light in some rooms without being killed by higher aircon bills . I know it is a science. Any links which for a layman are understandable to start to get some understanding ?

In Chiang Mai there is Global House, anyone in particular there who can give substantive advice?

Job probably too small for an architect but it may be worth it.

it's not a science but simple physics.

larger windows = more heat transmission = higher demand on aircons = higher electricity bill.

and now i am waiting patiently for the eggsburts and their advice such as

-get multiple pane windows,

-plant trees in front of your windows,

-google coolhouse Thailand,

-go to a wat and make merit to reduce your electricity consumption.

Double/Triple glazed reflective glass is your answer.

But do your maths well to calculate the cost of purchase v. ordinary windows in relation to the cost of increased/decreased consumption of electricity.

You may find that you'll have to live in the place for 74 years before you break even.

It's a bit like my youngest son who insisted on replacing his recently purchased car because it consumed "too much petrol". I showed him that it would take 7 years to break even on the deal. He's had the car for 4 years now, so he's quids in.

You could check into sun lights where you can get translucent tile and then 'tunnel' down to ceiling. It's a bit of a project but great for bathrooms.

If more light is what you are after, have you considered using glass block? Not like they use it in their typical installations here, but in a nice, well planned out design? I used it our house and it really does let lots of light in. There was a window issue in our master bath and the way the adjoining rooms and roof line ended up, I had no place to put one! So I used glass block inside, on two walls (not an entire wall, although I have seen that and it can look fantastic) of the bathroom and the ambient light that came in anyway, found its way into our bathroom and it turned out quite nice. It also makes for great shower stall dividers. pg

Thanks to all and Happy New Year. Will use all of the above. Q: Glass blocks is the same as glass bricks? Imported?

Not sure about price of glass block, but I think it is locally (within Thailand) made. And the assortment is huge now. pg

-get multiple pane windows,

-plant trees in front of your windows,

-google coolhouse Thailand,

-go to a wat and make merit to reduce your electricity consumption.

If more light is what you are after, have you considered using glass block? Not like they use it in their typical installations here, but in a nice, well planned out design? I used it our house and it really does let lots of light in. There was a window issue in our master bath and the way the adjoining rooms and roof line ended up, I had no place to put one! So I used glass block inside, on two walls (not an entire wall, although I have seen that and it can look fantastic) of the bathroom and the ambient light that came in anyway, found its way into our bathroom and it turned out quite nice. It also makes for great shower stall dividers. pg

using glass blocks/bricks is an excellent idea. i used them in the bathrooms of the last three homes i built.

I'm not sure if it is an item sold in Thailand, but a Solar Tube may provide you some benefit:

http://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/All-Products/Energy-Water-Air-Tubular-Skylights/Natural-Light-Energy-Systems-Tubular-Skylight-Kit

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/lighting/solar-tubes-beat-skylights/#.

@ Naam , nice bathrooms!

@ Lannarebirth ,, Tubular Skylights really fascinating concept , I tickles my imagination.

quote

Energy-efficient daylighting kit for flat or pitched roofs

Natural Light's Tubular Skylight is cylindrical in shape and designed to light up rooms with natural light. A small, clear, collector dome on the roof allows sunlight to enter into a highly reflective "light pipe" that extends from the roof level to the ceiling level. The light pipe is coated with a mirror quality silver finish that allows the full spectrum of sunlight to be channeled and dispersed evenly into a room through the means of a diffuser located in the ceiling.

Natural Light Tubular Skylights come in several sizes from 10" diameter to 21" diameter and illuminate from 150 Square Feet (SF) up to 700 SF without using a drop of electricity. The amount of light produced is equivalent to 300 watts to 1,450 watts at no cost to you.

Unlike traditional skylights that allow heat energy to travel directly into your home by day and leave at night, Tubular Skylights are more energy efficient because there's virtually no heat loss or gain associated with the system. Tubular Skylights also scatter 100% of the natural light spectrum through the use of a diffuser that eliminates the spot light effect as well as harmful UV rays common with traditional skylights.

Tubular Skylights are also far more economical because they install in less than two hours and can be installed on any roof pitch with no painting, frame work or drywall required. Natural Light's Tubular Skylights are designed specifically to minimize the size of roof penetration and not to compromise roof integrity. Each product is Energy Star and NFRC certified and warranted for 25 years.

Why we like it

This is a great invention that perfects the art of daylighting without the high costs and labor involved with traditional skylights. Installs in 2 hours and produces a beautiful natural quality of light without the heat or glare.