Daylight Simulation

Stroma Technology’s daylight simulations can assist designers in maximizing the use of natural daylight, while minimizing solar heat gain. Ultimately this enables our clients to deliver buildings that are fit-for-purpose and provide high levels of occupant comfort, while optimising the building’s energy efficiency. We can also help you to achieve your desired rating under environmental assessment procedures such as BREEAM and LEED: Both offer credits for achieving specified levels of natural daylight and distribution.

It is increasingly understood that energy consumption by artificial lighting often represents a significant proportion of overall building energy use, particularly with further improvements in building fabric performance and plant efficiency. The recent amendment of Part L places further responsibility with the designer to maximise the use of natural daylight, while achieving the fine balance between adequate lux levels and controlling solar heat gain.

Furthermore, the quantity and distribution of natural daylight within a room is a key contributor to the users’ comfort, and perceived quality of environment; A balance between natural and artificial lighting must be achieved to ensure that spaces are adequately lit for their specific purpose.

Stroma can undertake photometric simulations to determine both daylight factors and uniformity ratios, using modelling software. The results of these simulations can be used to review environment quality, for entry into Part L2a CO2 calculations and for BREEAM and LEED credits appraisal.

Daylight simulation is particularly useful for complex building geometry or roof lights, where the usual Part L2a compliance process would otherwise be unable to determine average daylight factors.