Benefits of large windows in your home in Portugal
Dreaming of building a beautiful villa in sunny Portugal? Then it is important to think carefully about how the architecture of your villa can make use of the positive influences of Portugal's climate.
Large windows are one of the architectural elements that should not be missing in your future home in Portugal!
Traditionally, Portuguese houses have small windows to keep out the sun's heat. But in this day and age, technologies have advanced so much that this is no longer necessary.
Discover the many benefits of having large windows in your Portuguese property: both architectural and human!
Design
Windows are much more than just openings to bring more light into a room. They allow a natural transition between interior and exterior, between your home and the outside world.
During the design of your villa, it is very important to think about this aspect. After all, the right choice of windows can have a big impact on the view and the living experience of your home.
Nowadays, you can control the appearance of windows right down to the last detail: the dimensions, the materials, the frame profiles, the depth, the performance options (for example, windows with acoustic properties) and the finish. These choices can contribute to the overall appearance and use of your home and are best determined in consultation with an architect or experienced Portuguese builder.
Currently, modern architecture is extremely popular in the Portuguese real estate market, and you should definitely consider building your home in this style. Modern architecture is characterized by open and light spaces, making large windows an absolute must when building a villa in this style.
Modern architecture also often uses simple materials and a 'clean' finish. Large floor-to-ceiling windows mean that you do not have to provide a trim, as is often the case with smaller windows. In this way, large windows contribute to a modern look.
Large, modern windows also add value, increasing the appeal of your villa to potential future buyers. A coherent, modern design will boost your property's market value.
Spaciousness
Another benefit of using large areas of glass in your home's design is the fact that the interior of your villa will appear more spacious. With an unobstructed view, you will feel connected to the outdoors and as the boundaries between inside and outside fade, spaces feel larger.
In addition, large windows in a room ensure that all dark corners are illuminated, making a room seem less cramped. This can be an advantage if you do not have much space available and want to build a compact villa. Thanks to the incoming light and air, you will feel a lot less cramped and therefore freer in your villa.
Indoor air quality
Thanks to the fresh air coming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and circulating throughout the villa, the quality of the indoor air will also improve significantly. This way, all rooms will be naturally ventilated.
It is recommended that you ventilate your home for at least 10 minutes every day, for example in the morning and evening. Large windows are ideal for this.
Opening windows regularly also allows more oxygen to enter the house. Good air quality in your home is extremely important for your health. Since nowadays, we spend so much time indoors, it is very important that there is enough oxygen in the indoor air. Poor air quality can lead to health problems, such as headaches, less energy, poor sleep... The larger the windows, the faster and more thoroughly the indoor air can be refreshed to avoid health problems.
In addition, allergens and other pollutants, such as dust, mould, pollen, etc. circulate in many homes. Adequate ventilation is important and contributes to better general health.
Opening the windows not only allows fresh air to enter but also contributes to a deeper connection with nature. For example, by letting into your home the scent of flowers or freshly cut grass, the sound of chirping birds or the freshness of the wind through the trees or the sea breeze.
Indoor-outdoor
Large windows bring nature inside not only when they are open, but also when they are closed through the beautiful views of the surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows will make you feel as if you are in the middle of nature.
It has been proven that contact with nature also has a huge impact on your mental health. Nature in the vicinity can lead to a reduction in stress, mental fatigue and worry, among other things. On the other hand, a connection with nature can lead to more positive emotions and higher social well-being.
When you create a seamless transition from the inside to the outside of your villa, you will feel that you are part of the outdoors even when you are inside. In addition, you can positively highlight the view in your interior as if it were a painting. Whether you live in the city or in the country, windows can always be positioned in a way that gives you the best view.
Natural light
People who live in sun-drenched Portugal can enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Since natural light also has a great impact on your mental and physical health, it is advisable to make the most of these sunny days. Floor-to-ceiling windows will allow an abundance of natural light to bathe your home.
When you open the windows and sit in the daylight, your body can easily produce vitamin D. This essential mineral contributes to improving your immune system and helps your body absorb other necessary minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. In addition, natural daylight increases your energy and will make you feel more positive.
If you get enough exposure to natural light during the day, it will also have an impact on your body's circadian or sleep-wake rhythms. Do you have sleeping problems? Thanks to large areas of glass and thus greater exposure to daylight, this will be a thing of the past. So the more natural light that can come in, the better!
By allowing natural light in, you can also make big savings on your energy bill. You will not have to use any lighting during the day, which will reduce the energy consumption of your villa.
Energy efficiency
Large areas of glass allow you to take full advantage of the natural heat that the sun radiates. This allows you to heat your home very efficiently on colder days. It is important to think carefully about the choice of windows beforehand, during the design phase of your villa. Well-positioned windows can help utilize this passive solar heat in winter.
By using windows for heating, you are applying a free, natural and renewable source of energy. This way, you will be less dependent on other energy sources such as gas or electricity, which makes a big difference to your energy bill!
And you don't have to worry about overheating in the summer. There are several choices you can make that can greatly reduce the risk of overheating due to solar heat, such as external or internal sun blinds or using high-quality glass that can contribute to blocking heat in summer.
Regardless of where you buy a house in Portugal or your personal style, when it comes time to think about the windows, don't forget that this "small detail" will have a huge impact on your health, well-being and energy costs!
Looking for a modern house in Portugal?
Portugal Realty is a leading real estate agent specialising in modern new build homes for sale in Silver Coast Portugal. Contact them today to find the perfect home for your family...