Daylight Performance
Overview
The key determinant of a building’s sustainability is its long-term ability to outrun obsolescence. At GV8 we understand the central role that daylight plays in the creation of attractive buildings with enduring appeal.
In contrast to impact assessments, which focus on the consequences arising for existing neighbours, performance assessments consider the daylight amenity which would be available to the future occupants of proposed buildings.
GV8 works to support the design of enduring developments by providing the insights needed to reconcile the exigencies of daylight and density. By inputting at an early stage in a projects design it is often possible to enhance daylight provision without compromising on development quantum.
Executed with rigorous regard to the requirements of current standards and following meticulous internal procedures, GV8 produces performance reports which can be confidently relied upon by all parties involved in the design and planning process. Having invested heavily in the development of computational tooling in recent years, GV8 is confident in its ability to capture the physical reality of daylit scenes in full fidelity.
Key Tests
In Ireland and the UK daylight performance assessments are carried out in accordance with the test methods detailed in BS EN 17037 ‘Daylighting of Buildings’ and the 3rd edition of the BRE Guide ‘Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight – A Guide to Good Practice’.
Within these guides three primary tests are recommended for testing the adequacy of natural light within proposed accommodation.
- The assessment of daylight within proposed accommodation; typically tested with respect to a measure called Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA).
- The assessment of sunlight available to proposed accommodation.
- The assessment of sunlight available to outdoor recreation spaces; tested with respect to a measure called Sun On Ground (SOG).
Additional Services
To assist with the investigation of daylight impact GV8 can also offer the following services:
- Pre-Acquisition Feasibility Studies and risk assessments
- Early-stage design studies
- Alternative standards testing including the assessment of Average and Median Daylight Factors.
- Generations of daylight distribution diagrams
- Transient shadow casting diagrams
- 365-day testing of sunlight to neighbouring recreation spaces
- Environmental impact reporting.
Let's Talk
Book a Site Appraisal
Are you at the early stage of a sites development? GV8 has the expertise and tools needed to quickly identify the design outlines that your site could support. Please get in touch at any stage to book a free preliminary, no strings attached, consultation.
Book a Presentation
Having specialised in this field of practice for over ten years GV8 has a deep understanding of daylight standards and their interaction with planning policy. Please get in touch if you would like GV8 to deliver a talk to the members of your organisation.
