A clerestory is an elevated row of windows designed to bring natural light and ventilation into interior spaces of a building.

A clerestory is an architectural feature consisting of windows placed high on a wall or above eye level, typically near the roofline. These windows are designed to admit natural light deep into a building’s interior while maintaining privacy and wall space below. Clerestories are commonly used in both commercial and residential construction to enhance daylighting and visual comfort.

In modern construction, clerestory windows are often integrated into energy-efficient building designs. By allowing sunlight to penetrate farther into interior spaces, clerestories can reduce reliance on artificial lighting and help regulate indoor temperatures when properly oriented and shaded. They may also be operable, providing natural ventilation and improving indoor air quality.

From a design and structural standpoint, clerestories require careful coordination with roof framing, insulation, and waterproofing systems. Proper detailing is essential to prevent heat loss, air leakage, and water intrusion. When designed correctly, clerestories add architectural interest while supporting sustainability and occupant comfort goals.

Clerestory windows were widely used in ancient Roman and Gothic architecture to illuminate large interior spaces long before electric lighting existed.