# IEQ 1.1 Daylight Access - Living Areas
# Applies to
Multi-unit development (Apartments, aged care and hotels)
# Objective
To provide a high level of amenity and energy efficiency through design for natural light.
# Summary
Points are awarded where at least 80% of the total number of living areas achieve a daylight factor greater than 1% to 90% of the floor area of each living area, including kitchens. Additional points are awarded where 100% of dwellings comply. This can be demonstrated by using the in-built BESS daylight calculator or by alternative daylight modelling where the alternative methodology is accepted by Council.
# Documentation & evidence required
If using the BESS daylight calculator:
- References to floor plans and elevations showing window sizes and sky angles
If using an alternative daylight modelling program:
- A short report detailing assumptions used and results achieved.
# Other Considerations
- Daylight modelling using third party software may be more appropriate than the BESS daylight calculator where neighbouring properties are too close to allow for vertical sky angle to be calculated.
- Lightly coloured materials will improve reflectivity. Consider using lightly coloured materials surfaces near windows, such as window sills and jambs.
- Specify glazing with high Visual Light Transmittance (VLT) and combine this with shading systems such as blinds, overhangs or retractable awnings, rather than using heavily tinted glass.
- Light shelves can increase daylight penetration by 'bouncing' light deeper into a room
- The BESS daylight calculator only works for rooms which have a single aspect only (i.e 1 window to the space) as rooms with more than one aspect are deemed to have adequate daylight