ᐅ Airspace above staircase without window, very dark

Hello,

we have noticed that the stairwell area without a window feels very dark, even though it hasn’t been drywalled or painted white yet. The drywall installation and painting will certainly brighten it up. We weren’t really aware of this during the planning stage, and the architect didn’t point this out either. Otherwise, we would have used the space differently or included a window in the design. Due to our high knee wall of 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in), the ceiling feels really tall.

This is a prefabricated house.

We wanted to get your opinions on this and hear what you would recommend or if you have other ideas beyond the three options below.

1. Option → Retrofitting a window is possible but, of course, quite costly. We have already contacted a company.
2. Option → Partially closing off the stairwell area with drywall to at least create some extra storage space.
3. Option → The simplest solution: installing an attractive pendant light as a focal point that illuminates the area well.

Thank you in advance for your opinions and best regards

On average, an extra window doesn’t help you much for about 12 hours a day because it’s dark outside.

When planning lighting, always keep in mind that you will need to replace the bulbs or, with LEDs nowadays, often the entire fixture. If you don’t want to hire a company for that, make sure your lighting is installed in a way that allows easy access without having to build dangerous structures on the stairs.

Right now it looks like the dark gate to another dimension, but when painted white it appears much friendlier. Have you considered indirect lighting, for example simply illuminating the white ceiling?

Christo19 schrieb:

We wanted to hear your opinions on this topic,

…if only you had asked before…

Christo19 schrieb:

Partially building over the air space

For what reason? It will just get dark then.

Christo19 schrieb:

The simplest solution is to install a nice, hanging light fixture,

That is always possible, but it doesn’t replace natural daylight since you still have to turn the lamp on.

Christo19 schrieb:

Retrofitting windows,

You will enjoy the roof window and the natural light on average for 12 hours a day. Go for it!

This entire setup is, of course, not ideal. All your suggestions have their pros and cons.

Is the temporary intermediate floor going to be completely removed and is it currently only serving as a scaffold?
If so, I would simply remove the boards briefly and see how much light comes through from below.

Surely, the platform will be extended. This will allow light to come in from the door all the way up, and since it is painted white, the effect will be very different.
I would install a daylight lamp there, possibly with a motion sensor.
A window is not only expensive and prone to issues as a roof window (skylight), but you also have to clean it, and it is difficult to access. I wouldn’t recommend that for a hallway.

MachsSelbst schrieb:

Having an extra window won’t help much if it’s dark outside, which is on average about 12 hours per day.
When planning lighting, remember that bulbs or, with LEDs nowadays often the entire fixture, may need to be replaced at some point. If you don’t want to hire a company for that, your lighting installation should allow easy access without having to build dangerous structures on the stairs.

Right now it looks like the dark gate to another dimension, but painting it white will make it appear much friendlier. Have you considered indirect lighting, such as simply illuminating the white ceiling?

Thank you all for the answers.

I have already run cables on both sides for possible LED spots that can shine upward and downward to illuminate the area.
The staircase still has 5 LED spots installed in the steps.