Recommendations for light levels in new buildings and surrounding properties are provided by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in a 2011 document by PJ Littlefair – “Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight – A Guide to Good Practice”. Any modifications or cutbacks you make to the proposed design can then be quickly analysed again. The results are delivered in both textural (Excel file) and graphical format, as Waldram Diagrams and as a quick visual pass/fail/nearly ‘traffic light’ system within the SketchUp® programme itself. Additionally room calculations for Average Daylight Factor (ADF) as well as Daylight Distribution (also known as No Sky Line) can be calculated. You can then perform window calculations to determine the Vertical Sky Component (VSC) and the Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH). The software requires 3D models of the proposed development.

It runs as a plug-in within the SketchUp® environment, one of the most popular and intuitive drafting packages available. As climate-based daylight modelling starts to become the universal standard, a solution like this is invaluable. Over the years, this software has revolutionised working practices for many hundreds of clients, and is a great introduction to the capabilities our software can offer. It also ensures you don’t waste a lot of time and money on impractical designs. MBS Daylight for SketchUp® is a quick, easy and cost-effective way to check design schemes. Daylight & Sunlight Calculations within SketchUp®

Daylight software pro con