THERMAL AND DAYLIGHT STUDIES. DAYLIGHT ANALYSIS The plan configuration of the flat, as mentioned, has a significant impact to the distribution of daylight in the interior. From the spot measurements analysis [chapter 5.1.3] was observed that the illuminance levels in the core of the apartment were significantly low and the daylight factor was lower than 0.5%.
STUDY METHDOOLOGY The objective of this analysis was to investigate whether the different plan configurations that proved to have a positive impact on the thermal performance of the building would also affect positively the daylight levels in the core of the flat.
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The daylight analysis was conducted using Ecotect and Radiance.
BASE CASE. CASES In the first case of the open kitchen configuration a more even distribution of daylight was noted. However due to the deep plan and the low height ceilings (2.3m) the daylight factor level in the kitchen (0.26%) remained lower than the typical recommended minimum for kitchens with side lighting only (2%), making still necessary the use of artificial light during daytime. In the second case the kitchen was moved towards the external wall where the daylight factor reaches the level of 9.2 % near the glazing surfaces, and 1.1% in the middle of the room. Thus this could be a better plan configuration for the kitchen and at the back of the room a space that it is less used and has less need in daylight (dining room) could be placed.
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CASE 1.
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CASE 2. Figure 5.3.4 Different plan configurations
Figure 5.3.5 Mood with an overcast sky (5000 lux) source: Radiance
Figure 5.3.6 Illuminance distibution with an overcast sky (5000 lux) source: Radiance