Natural light and clean air are fundamental to healthy homes. Yet over generations, housing has shifted from single-room dwellings to tightly planned, compartmentalised interiors with sealed windows and year-round mechanical cooling.
In Australia, these pressures are intensifying. As cities densify, blocks narrow and multi-storey living becomes more common, homes are getting smaller and more tightly configured. Rising energy costs are also forcing home owners to rethink comfort, while mounting evidence links daylight and ventilation with better health, wellbeing and performance at home.
Backed by more than eighty years of global expertise, VELUX develops and tests skylight and roof window solutions specifically for Australian conditions. VELUX executive vice president Dam Vestergaard outlines three practical ways homes can reconnect with the outdoors, improving comfort while reducing reliance on artificial energy.
Bring daylight into the rooms we actually live in
Many modern homes are bright at the edges but dark at their core, particularly in kitchens, hallways and central living areas where families spend most of their time.
“Daylight has a powerful impact on how a home feels. When natural light comes from above, it reaches deeper into the home, changes throughout the day and creates a much stronger sense of connection to the outdoors,” Dam says.
Introducing daylight through the roof allows light to penetrate spaces traditional vertical windows often cannot reach. The result is reduced reliance on artificial lighting, improved visual comfort and interiors that feel larger and more inviting.
Done well, these improvements can enhance everyday enjoyment and contribute to long-term property value, extending well beyond the initial installation.
Let homes breathe naturally again
As homes have become more airtight and mechanically cooled, many have lost their ability to refresh indoor air naturally.
“A home that can release heat, moisture and stale air simply feels better to live in. Fresh air is essential to comfort, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and living areas,” Dam says.
Designing for natural air movement, allowing warm air to rise and escape while drawing in cooler air from below, can significantly reduce heat build-up and reliance on air conditioning. In a cost-of-living environment where energy bills remain under pressure, this passive airflow can meaningfully reduce day-to-day running costs while improving year-round comfort.
Health authorities, including the World Health Organisation, continue to link poor ventilation and persistent dampness with respiratory issues, reinforcing the need for planned airflow in modern homes.
Focus on how a home feels, not just how it looks
A visually impressive home can still feel artificial or uncomfortable if daylight and fresh air are not carefully considered.
Research shows that people function better in environments with access to natural light and fresh air, supporting mood, concentration, sleep quality and overall wellbeing. As more Australians work and study from home, the way a space feels has a direct impact on daily performance.
Rather than blocking daylight to manage glare or heat, thoughtful design incorporates filtered light and intelligent shading to maintain brightness without discomfort, preserving the qualities that make interiors feel alive and balanced.
“We don’t need to choose between comfort and connection to nature. Homes filled with daylight and refreshed by fresh air don’t just look better, they perform better, cost less to live in and feel better every single day,” Dam says.
