1.What does “second light” mean?
Second light- this is a room in a house without ceilings on the second (third, etc.) floor. In the professional language of architects, this technique is called double-height hall. In educational literature on architecture, this definition sounds like this: “DOUBLE-STORY HALL (see HALL), a main room, a hall with two-story high walls (not separated by a ceiling) and two rows of windows. “Second light” is the name given to the upper tier of walls and windows.”.
2. History of the construction of buildings with second light.
This architectural technique in construction has been known since the construction of palaces and estates of the Middle Ages. Both in European and in the architecture of the Russian Empire there are many examples of the use of double-height halls during the construction of royal mansions of past centuries.
For example, Banquet Hall Banqueting House) at Whitehall Palace (now defunct) in London was built in 1619-1622 in the style of English classicism, where a single double-height hall. From the noble solemnity and magnificent composition of the building, this palace was the first of its kind in Great Britain.
In St. Petersburg stands a magnificent monument of the 18th century - the first building of the northern capital, for the decoration of which 32 types of marble were used. The halls of this palace amaze with their wealth and elegance; a grand staircase led to the upper floors. The main room of which, the Marble Hall, was reconstructed in the 19th century; the interfloor coverings of the second and third floors were removed and the Marble Hall became double-light, as we see it now. The wonderfully beautiful ceiling was raised to the ceiling of the third floor and crystal chandeliers appeared.
In the history of architecture there are also known second light. This was the case with Elizaveta Petrovna, who lived remotely during the reign of Anna Ioanovna in Pokrovskoye-Rubtsovo, which is not far from Moscow. According to legend, Elizabeth lived there cheerfully, organizing holidays, dancing and festivities. The wooden palace was located on the shore of a pond: one-story, on a high basement, with a central double-height hall. This monument of wooden architecture has not survived to this day; it is only known that it was decorated in Japanese and Chinese styles.
Most of our readers buildings with second light known from an early age. After all, many of us in childhood attended various clubs in astronomy, aircraft modeling, knitting, cutting and sewing, or music studios in the Palace of Pioneers or the House of Culture, and went to the swimming pool in the swimming section. It was there that we could first encounter this architectural technique double-height space with tiers of windows in many rows. Of course, the majority did not even pay attention to design features different public buildings, but the spaciousness of the interior space certainly could not be ignored, since these public institutions were very different from our standard apartments.
For example, the Palace of Pioneers on the Lenin Hills in Moscow is the most successful building of the Khrushchev “thaw”, as the embodiment of the ideas of constructivism. The main building is the largest object of the complex, divided into several buildings, adjacent to the ends of an extended volume connecting them, where a spectacular space is created double-light winter garden. You can have different attitudes towards our common Soviet past, but it is worth recognizing that at that time the state did not skimp on the education, development and health of children, therefore, for the future builders of communism, magnificent palaces of pioneers and palaces of culture were erected, in which various architectural techniques were used, the most the most memorable of which was double-height space.
It is no secret that many historical buildings in the Russian capital at one time underwent repairs or reconstruction, and eventually lost their original function, suddenly turning into offices or apartments. But there are still buildings that have retained to this day the purpose for which they were created a century ago. One of them is the former Palace of Pioneers on Vorobyovy Gory with double-light room in the winter garden.
Organization double-light space is also often found in other public buildings: train stations, airports, gyms and indoor stadiums, in establishments of cultural organizations, restaurants, cafes, pavilions, etc.
4.Why do modern developers like a wooden house with a second light?
What is it that attracts the modern developer so much in this rather “official” architectural technique today? Probably, it is precisely this increase in space and the feeling of airiness, freedom, which is so lacking in our rather cramped apartments, limited by a box of walls and ceilings. Second light visually enlarges the room not only due to the absence of ceilings where they usually exist, but also the top row of windows in the second tier gives additional natural lighting to the room with second light.
Each developer, planning his own second light, probably imagines it in the form of an estate, a family nest, secretly dreaming of having something like a palace mansion, in order to feel himself in personal possession as the status owner of a respectable home: if not a marble palace, then at least an estate, second light in which, undoubtedly, it gives representativeness.
In peasant “double-fat huts”, to prevent heat from escaping upward, the staircase opening, along with the stairs leading upward, was tightly covered with boards. Thus, in the lower room, and most often it was big kitchen with a Russian stove, there was a structure in the form of a cabin in which there was a staircase to climb to the upper part of the house. This suggests that in the peasant house they took great care of warmth and such a simple, but effective way We tried to distribute it evenly throughout the house. After all, according to the researcher of Russian architecture M. Krasovsky, two-story huts were built “especially in the northern provinces, where there is still a lot of forest...”(it must be admitted that there is still “a lot of it” in the “northern provinces”, and especially in the Kostroma region), and in the north people value warmth like nowhere else and build wooden houses taking into account the maximum preservation of it in their homes.
D) acoustics in a wooden house with second light;
There are still some features in a house with a second light that some may find inconvenient - the spread of sound from below throughout the house. If a wooden house has interfloor ceilings, they significantly muffle the sound coming from below. In a log house with a second light, the sound from the lower room echoes throughout the house. The second light is traditionally made in the living room, where the TV is located, where all family members and their guests gather. Thus, if there are children in the house and they are already going to bed in the evening, and there are sounds from TV or conversations in your living room, then this noise will spread throughout the house, rising upstairs, preventing younger family members from falling asleep. In this case, you need to take care of additional sound insulation in advance, especially in children's rooms upstairs.
D) second light in a wooden house and children's pranks;
With children in the family, there is a danger of having a second light in a wooden house. You can often hear from the owners of such houses that boys and girls sometimes like to play, jumping from top to bottom over the railings of the second floor, come up with parachute descents with an umbrella and other fun - children's ingenuity is inexhaustible! In such cases, injuries to children or breakdowns of various pieces of furniture are inevitable, since it is almost impossible to predict what your child will invent (especially without parental supervision, left alone) in a house with such interesting layout with a second light, where there is space and where children's imagination can run wild.
6. What should you pay attention to first if you decide to build a wooden house with second light?
If the future developer is not stopped by any of the negative arguments given above, he is ready to overcome them, then first of all he should pay attention to heating the house. Very the right decision will install a warm floor, in which the heat will be forcibly retained below. And the larger the area of the heated floor, the greater the effect it will have. Thus, the increase in costs from operating a heated floor in a room with a second light about 6 m high will be 20% higher than in a room with a ceiling about 3 m high.
If you use only convectors for heating a log house, then the increase in costs can be even 80% - it’s up to you to decide whether this is a lot or a little. By heating efficiency wooden house with the second light, you can make the following rating: warm floors come first, then registers, then cast iron radiators, aluminum radiators, and lastly the convector. If the frost outside is -20 degrees, and the temperature of the heated floors is +24 degrees, then the measurements from the floor will be as follows: 1cm from the floor +21 degrees, 2cm from the floor +20 degrees, 4m from the floor +19.5 degrees, 5m (almost under the ceiling) +16-19 degrees.
Thus, the cost of heating a wooden house with second light requires a significant increase in the budget. And houses made of timber with a double-height room, as a rule, are built large, where, for the sake of a spectacular view of the front room, they sacrifice additional living space on the second floor, therefore, its residents must be wealthy people who can afford the maintenance of such an expensive house. Due to its non-standard layout, a log house with a second light is included in the category of elite houses compared to other wooden houses of the same area.
In any case, if the time comes when you get tired of living in such an elite house or you get tired of overpaying for its expensive maintenance, you are tired of living in a “palace” or “house of culture”, then in a wooden house there is always an opportunity to rectify the situation: contact bona fide construction company with qualified craftsmen who will professionally make inter-ceilings. Then they will appear in your house additional rooms on the second floor and the heat will be more evenly maintained at the top and bottom of the house.
A log house is a great opportunity to bring to life the most daring design projects. Many extraordinary architectural solutions allow you to implement various Construction Materials. However, none of them can be compared in terms of environmental friendliness, unique beauty and combination positive qualities with natural wood, especially if it is processed using the ancient and traditional Russian method of hand cutting.
One of the original architectural solutions, which became Lately quite popular in construction wooden houses turnkey – this is the second light.
A house project made from chopped logs with such a remarkable design feature will create a unique atmosphere and demonstrate the good taste of the owner. Let's take a closer look at this approach to construction and the actual advantages of hand-cut houses.
About the second light in a house made of chopped logs
A log house with a second light is distinguished by the presence in the project of a large room in which there is no ceiling of the second floor, and when you look up you can see the roof slabs. Most often, living rooms or dining rooms are designed in this way, which makes them especially spacious and brings a feeling of freedom. In rooms with second light they usually make large beautiful windows on two floors, including unusual shape
, which add more light and a special architectural flair to such a room in a log house. And you shouldn’t believe the talk that the second light will make the room cold, and you will have to spend more money on heating. A log house has particularly low thermal conductivity, so even in the harshest Russian winters, in order to heat with the second light, only a warm floor on the first floor or a standard competent heating system with radiators will be enough. In addition, you can bring warmth and comfort into the living room of a log house with a second light using a large beautiful fireplace, which in such an interior looks especially harmonious and stylish. Such an atmospheric and, at the same time, functional design element will not go unnoticed by your guests and will encourage everyone to have a hearty tea party around the fireplace. Otherwise, a project with a second light has the same characteristics as a regular log house, which we’ll talk about in more detail.
Advantages of log houses with second light
1 From the point of view of architecture and ease of processing, chopped logs are truly a unique material. The original uneven shape and natural pattern on the cut become distinctive feature any project and a unique design solution. In addition, only chopped logs can reach a length of 12 meters, which makes it possible to use in complex architectural projects with large load-bearing structures, for example, designs of houses with a second light, with large windows non-standard shape. A log house with a second light is just one of many architectural solutions inherent in projects made from this material. Spacious terraces and balconies emphasize the closeness to nature and expand the functionality of the premises, offering great places
2 for outdoor recreation. If we consider cutting methods, they also differ, unique features which leave their mark on the image finished house from chopped logs. As a result, each project becomes unique and truly original decoration personal plot
3 Any project of a log house with a second light, for example, our “Levitan” and “Benoit”, is distinguished by a set of characteristics inherent in the material as a whole. Since wood “breathes,” an optimal microclimate is always maintained inside the house, with a humidity level that is comfortable for humans and their health. Properly processed hand-cut wood perfectly resists moisture, blueing, and damage from insects and fungi. Log houses made of such species as cedar and larch seem to be completely unaffected by the inexorable action of time. At the same time, an atmosphere unique in its properties is created in the premises, due to the fact that the material releases antioxidants and saturates the air with the aromas of resins. This factor will be appreciated by city dwellers, because it not only allows you to cleanse your lungs, but also enjoy the healing effects of the created atmosphere. One of the first benefits that the happy owners of a log house project experience is a general improvement in well-being and sleep.
About materials for building a log house
When constructing any project, houses made of chopped logs are used exclusively natural materials, including insulation and connecting elements. Thus, it is possible to practically eliminate the impact of artificial building materials on humans. After all, they often contain harmful compounds, including carcinogens that stimulate the development of cancer.
To seal the inter-crown joints of a house project from chopped logs, flax or jute is laid in the grooves. There are several types of materials with various properties
, including varying ease of installation. The common thing among them is that during construction it is necessary to caulk the log house several times, taking into account the shrinkage of the wood. It is worth emphasizing that at all stages of the construction of a turnkey wooden house by our company “Vityaz-Stroy” the work is done manually. This is the only way a log house with a second light acquires its unique positive characteristics. For example, when removing bark from logs, craftsmen use a special hand tools. Thus, it is possible to preserve the natural protective layer of wood, which significantly affects the durability of the entire structure. In addition, a log house acquires a very special
The types of wood that are most often used as materials for projects of houses with second light are coniferous.
Spruce and pine are quite common among other species in harvested logs. This determines their availability. The properties of these materials are less pronounced than those of species such as cedar and larch. They are not so dense, but quite light, and therefore reduce the load on the foundation.
Logs of more expensive species will not be subject to the harmful effects of natural factors and microorganisms. Cedar is distinguished by its medically recognized benefits from antioxidants, which practically do not erode over time. Larch is very dense, and when exposed to moisture, its structure strengthens even more.
Among the projects of our company, log houses with second light are especially popular,
which will serve for many years and delight you both when they are built from pine, cedar or larch. These include “Repin”, “Aivazovsky” and other original projects, which you can familiarize yourself with on our website. In our company “Vityaz-Stroy” you will find not only the highest quality workmanship of a house made of chopped logs at all stages, but also a variety of shapes and sizes, which will satisfy the most demanding taste. If you have long dreamed of a huge amount of free space in
own home
- this means it’s time to realize your dreams by choosing projects of houses made of logs with a second light provided.
- What is it? Second light is a special architectural technique - the absence of beam ceilings between floors. This is how the feeling of spaciousness and lightness of the interior is achieved, because the ceilings of this part of the house are located at the level of the second floor.
- The use of second light in the layout of the house allows you to:
- visually expand the space and make the interior more impressive;
use natural light from the street more effectively (especially when installing large windows);
use stained glass window groups, complementing the facade and interior of the home.
However, the most important thing is that designs of houses with second light are able to provide residents with maximum comfort and a feeling of closeness to nature. "MARISRUB": we use every square meter wisely Still doubtful about your desire to build wooden house related to the operation of second-light housing, and will also offer options for solving potential difficulties.
All finished projects, presented in our catalog, were created by specialists in the field of architecture and are guaranteed to be reliable and designed so carefully that you will not find a single flaw in the layout even after many years of living in an already constructed building.
In the list of proposals you can find not only big houses over 200 sq.m., but also medium options in the range of 100-200 sq.m. In such projects everyone square meter used so rationally that you cannot say that the provided second light “eats up” too much space. On the contrary, it will look so natural and harmonious that it will be difficult for you to imagine the layout any other way.
There is no reason to doubt, because the second light is in in capable hands Marisrub designers will be your best investment in personal comfort.
In wooden housing construction, houses with second light have long become popular.
In houses with second light in one or more rooms (most often in the living room or dining room) interfloor ceilings are not installed. Thus, the space between the first and second in these rooms becomes unified.
Natural light enters the rooms with second light through the windows of the first and second floors, creating, as it were, double lighting. The room becomes even more spacious and light. Often the windows of the first and second floors are combined, and one common glazing is obtained for two floors. This gives the facade of the house with a second light style and presence, and the room - solemnity and presentability. High ceilings allow you to hang luxurious chandeliers and lamps, to embody various design solutions, which are not possible to decorate rooms with standard height ceilings.
The effect of second light is also present when the ceiling is hemmed along the rafters, and not parallel to the floor.
Advantages and disadvantages of houses with second light
Houses with second light have two significant advantages:
- 1. Due to the absence of ceilings, rooms with second light look larger and freer, and the footage of the entire house seems larger. All this adds solidity and solidity to houses with second light.
- 2. Additional natural light has a beneficial effect on the emotional state and health of the owners of a house with second light, and, to some extent, allows you to save energy.
The disadvantages include the following facts:
- 1. The organization of second light takes up part of the usable area of the house. Therefore, when designing, you should initially provide for the number and size of premises necessary for the comfortable living of all family members.
- 2. As is known, warm air rises up. Therefore, in rooms with second light, it is necessary to organize modern, efficient heating systems that contribute to savings in the operation of the house.
Construction of houses with second light in North Forest
The architects of the North Forest company in the projects of wooden houses with second light took into account all the details, the layouts were carefully thought out, which ensures comfortable living in such a house.
If, instead of a second light, you want to equip the second floor extra bedroom, office or dressing room - we will rework the project in accordance with your wishes. And if you liked it standard project, in which the second light is closed, in most cases it is permissible to arrange it. We make these changes at no additional charge.
The most popular among our customers is a house project with a second light and
In the construction of modern housing, “second light” is often used - an original architectural technique that provides an increase in natural light due to the absence of part of the ceiling and interfloor ceilings. In the Domamo catalog you can view the most interesting ready-made designs of houses with second light according to a number of characteristics, layout and photos, as well as order an individual design.
Advantages of second light
Houses with a second light look European, reminiscent of the palace decoration of ballrooms, luxurious living rooms and large libraries, which are freely visible from the stairs and galleries of the upper floor. The windows can be made high and with panoramic glazing, giving the cottage a stylish appearance. Such projects provide several advantages:
- Visual space and free air circulation,
- Maximum lighting, allowing you to decorate the room with light-loving house plants,
- The aesthetics of the facade with the possibility of installing original windows and stained glass windows.
In addition, the construction of houses with additional light structures allows you to save on daylighting of internal stairs, balustrades, and winter gardens.
Features of projects
A house with a second light is quite complex to design, so the participation of specialists is required to accurately calculate all the subtleties and nuances. When ordering a project, you should consider that:
- Rooms with similar architectural feature not practical in a small house.
- The heating price will be slightly higher than for standard-storey cottages. To eliminate heat loss, it is necessary here better thermal insulation roofing, installation of a fireplace or “warm floors”, making the home not only warm, but also cozy.
