Autumn reveals a different side of architectural design
House C in Pijava Gorica, designed by architect Darja Valič, is an example of a home where light is not merely a functional necessity but a key element in shaping the space. Roof windows allow light to enter from above, accentuating the height of the central living area. Yet, it is during the colder months—when days are shorter and we spend more time indoors—that another aspect of this design truly comes to the fore.
During the planning of House C, the sun’s path across the site was carefully analyzed. The goal was to strike a balance between natural lighting, solar heat gain, and protection against overheating in summer. In autumn and winter, the very sun rays we seek to avoid in summer become welcome guests; strategically placed windows serve not only as sources of daylight but also as providers of warmth. Thanks to their positioning, roof windows can channel daylight deeper into the interior, creating a pleasant atmosphere during shorter and often overcast days.
Fresh air without significant heat loss
Light is just one aspect of a quality living environment. As temperatures drop, we tend to open windows less frequently, and daily life shifts indoors. Moisture typically accumulates from activities such as cooking, showering, and drying laundry; a household of four can release up to ten liters of water vapor into the air in a single day. If this moisture is not vented out, it can lead to window condensation, a stuffy atmosphere, and—over time—conditions favorable for the growth of mold and dust mites.
Therefore, during the colder months, it is especially important to ventilate rooms regularly and effectively. Rather than leaving a window slightly open for an extended period, short, intensive ventilation is more efficient, ensuring a rapid exchange of air. Analyses by the VELUX Group’s DEIC research center show that ventilating a standard bedroom three times a day requires less than 0.5 kWh of heating energy.
High-positioned windows should be easy to operate
In architectural designs like that of House C, roof windows may be positioned high up and out of reach. In such cases, ease of operation is particularly important. This is where electric roof windows prove their worth; they can be opened via a wall switch or remote control, making it easier to incorporate quick autumn ventilation into one’s daily routine.
Electric roof windows also feature a built-in rain sensor that automatically closes the window at the first sign of rain. In autumn, when the weather is often unpredictable, this offers greater peace of mind, allowing the room to be ventilated even when you are away from home or in another part of the house. Blinds and shutters are not just for summer, either; an external roller shutter—which helps prevent overheating during the hot months—provides complete blackout and dampens the sound of raindrops during the colder part of the year.
A home that adapts to our habits
Roof window operation can be further simplified through automation. With the VELUX App Control system, motorized roof windows and compatible blinds can be controlled directly from a smartphone. Windows can be opened or closed remotely, ventilation schedules set, and blinds adjusted according to the time of day and how the room is used. Consequently, ventilation no longer depends on remembering to open a window at the right moment; instead, it becomes part of the daily routine.
When the same solution performs different tasks throughout the year
House C is a prime example of how the role of roof windows changes over the course of the year. In summer, they help regulate heat and light, while in autumn and winter, they bring valuable daylight into the room and enable efficient ventilation. Thus, the quality of living is the result of a carefully considered interplay of light, air, and room usage throughout the year.
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