The Block Hallway Reveals: First impressions are everything

Entries, hallways and stairwells are often considered purely functional spaces, designed simply to move people from one room to another.

But this week's reveals demonstrate how natural light can transform these areas, making small spaces feel more open, spacious and considered from the moment you walk through the door.

Across all five homes, VELUX skylights have been used in different ways to bring daylight into spaces that would otherwise have limited access to natural light.

We asked Steph Ottavio, architect and winner of The Block 2023, to explore the hallway reveals alongside Carl, our VELUX skylight expert. Together, they look at how the teams have used skylights to create impact, illuminate darker stairwells and bring daylight into the connecting spaces throughout each home.

Houses 1 & 3: First impressions are everything.

For Houses 1, 2 and 3, the entry is where the impact of the skylights is felt immediately. Houses 1, 2 and 3 each feature five VELUX FCM 3446 fixed skylights above their stairwells - a total of 15 skylights across the three stairwells alone.

While features such as textured walls and carefully selected finishes contribute to the design, the skylights above help bring an abundance of natural light down into the entry and stairwell.

As Steph explains, “The textured wall in House 1 is one thing, but having these amazing skylights push all this amazing light down into this space [elevates it]”.

Modern wooden staircase under three VELUX flat roof windows in a bright hallway

House 1: Adam & Jolene

Modern staircase lit by three VELUX flat roof windows above and a warm pendant light.

House 3: Lisa & Rosco

House 2: Overcoming daylight limitations.

The importance of daylight is particularly evident due to building restrictions. Houses 1, 2 and 3 have screening that limits light entering through the sides of the home so the fixed skylights are a particularly considered specification, bringing daylight into the space.

As Steph says: “What an amazing first impression.”

Modern stairwell lit by multiple VELUX flat roof windows above a light wooden staircase.

House 2: Chantel & Wyatt

Modern stairwell lit by multiple VELUX flat roof windows in a bright white hallway.

House 2: Chantel & Wyatt

House 5: An architectural approach to skylight placement.

The fixed FCM range enables the benefits of natural light while providing a more budget-conscious option for incorporating multiple skylights. In these homes, that has enabled the teams to specify five skylights above each staircase, creating a significant visual and functional impact.

Houses 4 and 5 take a different architectural approach, using skylights to help bring natural light into the kitchen while also addressing the darker stairwell areas. Rather than considering each room in isolation, House 5 demonstrates how skylights can influence the experience of connected spaces.

Modern upstairs hallway with VELUX flat roof windows and glass floor over stairwell.

House 5: Rick & Tayla

Modern stone-walled hallway lit by VELUX flat roof windows and glass doors to a small courtyard.

House 5: Rick & Tayla

House 4: Controlling the light when you need to.

House 4 also demonstrates another important consideration when introducing significant amounts of daylight into a space: the ability to control it.

With the skylights flooding the kitchen and connecting spaces with natural light, incorporating blinds provides an option for managing solar heat gain when required.

The result demonstrates how skylight accessories can be considered as part of the overall specification, helping homeowners adapt their spaces to changing conditions while continuing to benefit from natural daylight.