DO YOU prefer the natural light that floods the room, but abhor the heat that it invariably brings along, especially on hot summer afternoons? Now, a system devised by a Queensland University of Technology lecturer, will not only help you cut lighting costs, but obviate the need for expensive airconditioning (Australian Science and Technology Newsletter, March 1994).

Ian Edwards' Edshade system blocks the heat, but enhances natural light. The Edshade is attached outside the building at a 45 degrees angle above the window, and sunlight is directed through a diffusing panel on to reflectors on the ceiling, to light the whole room.