Brewery Road - Daylight & Sunlight Analysis – Rev 2

Daylight & Sunlight Analysis

BRE BR209 (2011)

98-124 Brewery Road, London, N7 9NT

16th June 2016

Revision 2

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Brewery Road - Daylight & Sunlight Analysis – Rev 2

1. Introduction
1.1. Lighting Analysts Ltd has been commissioned by Synergy Consulting Engineers Ltd to undertake a daylight Figure 1 Brewery Road site plan showing analysis zone
and sunlight analysis for the proposed 98-124 Brewery Road, London N7 9NT development.

1.2. The study aims to analyse the impact the proposed building may have upon the windows of neighbouring
residential properties, adjacent to and with direct view of the proposed development, by way of analysing
the receivable diffuse daylight - referred to as the vertical sky component (VSC) - and the annual probable N
sunlight hours (APSH) received at the centre of each window, under both the existing (baseline) and
proposed conditions.

1.3. The study follows the guidance and methodologies provided by the Building Research Establishment (BRE)
nd
Digest BR 209 “Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight – A Guide to good practise. 2 Edition 2011”.
The BRE document provides guidance on the layout and planning of developments, in order to limit the
impact upon neighbouring properties, as well as to ensure appropriate daylight levels are provided within
the development itself.

1.4. Section 2.2.4 States: “Loss of light to existing windows need not be analysed if the distance of each part of
the new development from the existing window is three or more times its height above the centre of the B2
existing window. In these cases the loss of light will be small”.

1.5. A desktop analysis of the site has identified two residential blocks (B1 & B2) of flats located within Simla B1
Court, 126 Brewery Road, adjacent to the western boundary of the development site, which fall within the
analysis zone (figure 1). In total 18 windows have been identified as having a direct line of sight to the
proposed development. All other surrounding buildings within the analysis zone have been identified as
non-residential properties and have therefore not been analysed as part of this study.

1.6. BRE digest BR209 Daylight and sunlight analysis has been carried out using MBS Survey Ltd specialist
software, in conjunction with a 3D model of the existing and proposed buildings located on the 98-124
Brewery Road site and surrounding context model, provided by Studio E architects. Internal Daylight Factor
(DF%) analysis in-line with BS8206-2 (2008) has also been undertaken within rooms of Simla Court (B1)
using professional lighting design software AGI32.

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2. Methodology
Diffuse Daylight – Vertical Sky Component (VSC)
Figure 2 Example of Waldram diagram showing the view from window No. 1049. The red area represents the
2.1. BR209 provides guidance for both new and existing buildings. The document states “The quantity and existing building, whilst the blue represents the proposed. The buildings in grey are the surrounding site context.
quality of daylight inside a room will be impaired if obstructing buildings are large in relation to the distance VSC is determined by analysing the unobstructed sky area.
away”.

2.2. In the case of existing buildings, section 2.2.4 states “Loss of light to existing windows need not be analysed
if the distance of each part of the new development from the existing window is three or more times its
height above the centre of the existing window. In these cases the loss of light will be small.

2.3. Furthermore, the document states “Any reduction in the total amount of skylight can be calculated by
finding the VSC at the centre of each main window”.

2.4. Vertical Sky Component or VSC is the ratio of the direct sky illuminance falling on a vertical surface, at a
reference point (usually the centre of the window), to the simultaneous horizontal illuminance under an
unobstructed CIE (Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage) overcast sky model. The maximum VSC for a
completely unobstructed vertical window is 39.6%.

2.5. Section 2.2.6 states “If a room has two or more windows of equal size, the mean of their VSCs may be taken.
The reference point is in the external plane of the window wall. Windows to bathrooms, toilets, storerooms,
circulation areas and garages need not be analysed. ”

2.6. Section 2.2.7 states “If the VSC is greater than 27% then enough skylight should still be reaching the
window of the existing building. Any reduction below this level should be kept to a minimum. If VSC, with the
new development in place, is both less than 27% and less than 0.8 times its former value, occupants of the
existing building will notice the reduction in the amount of skylight”.

2.7. Therefore this study analyses the vertical sky component (VSC) receivable at 18 window locations. Both the
existing and proposed conditions are assessed with VSC results and the change from the existing (baseline)
to proposed conditions provided.

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Interior Daylight – Average Daylight Factor (ADF%)

2.8. BRE BR209 (2011) guidance provides methods for analysing the diffuse daylight (VSC%) receivable at the Figure 4 Simla Court Building B1 estimated floor plan – new internal walls shown in green
centre of each window. An ideal target of 27% VSC is provided, in order to ensure good daylight potential
within the interior of the rooms served by the window. However, the resulting internal daylight levels are
dependent on numerous factors, the most critical of these being the size of the window, fenestration,
glazing light transmittance and the size of the room (area) being illuminated.

2.9. In contrast, British Standard BS8206-2 (2008) provides guidance on the daylight required within dwellings,
section 5.6 states “Even if a predominantly daylit appearance is not achievable in a dwelling, it is
recommended that the minimum average daylight factor (ADF %) should be at least the relevant value, as
given in Table 5.4 below.

Figure 3 BS8206-2 (2008) Table 5.4 minimum ADF % within dwellings.

Room ADF
Bedrooms 1.00%
Living rooms 1.50%
Kitchens 2.00%

2.10. Furthermore, where one room serves more than one purpose the minimum average daylight factor should
be that for the room type with the highest value. For example, in a space which combines a living room and
a kitchen the minimum average daylight factor should be 2%. Note that as bathrooms are not considered to
be habitable rooms they do not have a daylight factor requirement.

2.11. Therefore, in order to give a better understanding of the likely internal daylight levels (ADF%), in-line with
BS8206-2 (2008), a more detailed daylight analysis has been undertaken within the rooms served by the
windows of Simla Court (B1). In total 9 windows/rooms which are likely to be affected by the proposed
development have been analysed in order to give a more precise understanding of the likely daylight
performance under proposed conditions.

2.12. Unfortunately it has not yet been possible to obtained detailed floor plans for Simla Court and therefore the
internal room layout and dimensions have been estimated based upon the building elevations, window Figure 5 Simla Court Building B1 3D model rear elevations
positions and building footprint. This has resulted in internal rooms measuring 3m x 3m with a 2.5m floor-
ceiling height. Window sill height has been positioned at 1000mm a.f.f.l. and window frame dimensions set
at 60mm wide and 60mm deep. The glazing has been treated as standard clear double glazing with a light
transmittance of 80%. The internal room reflectances have been set at 80% (white ceiling) 60% (mid tone
walls) and 20% (carpeted floor).

2.13. A more detailed 3D model of Simla Court has been constructed in AutoCAD using the existing footprint of
the building with the internal walls, ceiling, floors, window frames and glazing added. Calculation grids have
been placed across the working plane of each room with light meters spaced at 500mm centres. Daylight
analysis has been carried out using professional lighting design and engineering software AGI32. The
resulting Daylight Factor (DF%) have been simulated under a CIE Overcast sky condition with the Average
Daylight Factor (ADF%) analysed across each space.

2.14. It has also not yet been possible to confirm the building layout and room type, but it is believed that the 9
large windows on the rear east façade of building B1 serve bedrooms, whilst the three smaller slot windows
on the north façade serve bathrooms. As bathrooms are none habitable spaces and do not have a
requirement for daylight, in accordance with both BS8206-2 (2008) and BRE Digest BR209 (2011), these
rooms have not been further analysed for daylight factor.

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Direct Sunlight – Annual Probably Sunlight Hours (APSH)

Figure 6 Example of Waldram diagram showing the view from window No. 1049. The red area represents the
1.1. BR209 Section 3.2.3 States: “To assess loss of sunlight to an existing building, it is suggested that all main existing building, whilst the blue represents the proposed. The buildings in grey are the surrounding site context. The
living rooms of dwellings, and conservatories, should be checked if they have a window facing within 90 APSH is analysed by counting the unobstructed sun spots.
degrees of due south. Kitchens and bedrooms are less important, although care should be taken not to
block too much sun. In non-domestic buildings any spaces which are deemed to have special requirement
for sunlight should be checked; they will normally face within 90°of due south anyway”.

1.2. Section 3.2.5 States: “If this window point [centre of window] can receive more than one quarter of Annual
Probably Sunlight Hours (APSH), including at least 5% of APSH in winter months between 21st September
and 21st March, then the room should still receive enough sunlight”.

1.3. BR209 provides a 2-dimensional sunlight indicator which contains 100 sun spots with each spot
representing 1% annual probable sunlight hours (APSH). The total annual APSH can be determined by
plotting, the location of the window at the centre together with the surrounding buildings (obstructions)
and simply counting the unobstructed spots. The numerical total annual sunlight hours is then found by
multiplying the APSH, as a fraction, by the total sunlight hours for an unobstructed plane, which is 1486
hours for London.

1.4. The study analyses the annual probable sunlight hours (APSH) receivable at 18 window locations. Both the
existing and proposed conditions are assessed with APSH results analysed to ensure each window can
receive at least 25% annual APSH with at least 5% during the winter months.

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Sunlight Availability – Gardens & Open Spaces

st
Figure 7 March 21 (spring equinox) 10:00 – existing (red) & proposed (blue)
1.5. BR209 Section 3.3.3 states “The availability of sunlight should be checked for all open spaces where it will
be required. This would normally include:

 Gardens, usually the main back garden of a house

 Parks and playing fields
 Children’s playgrounds
 Outdoor swimming pools and paddling pools
 Sitting out areas such as those between non-domestic buildings and in public spaces
 Focal points for views such as a group of monuments or fountains

1.6. BR209 Section 3.3.7 States: “As a check, it is recommended that at least half of the amenity spaces listed
st
above should receive at least two hours of sunlight on 21 March. It is instructive to draw the ‘two hours sun
contour’ which marks this area on plan”.

1.7. Section 3.3.13 states “ Where there are existing buildings as well as the proposed on, ‘before’ and ‘after’
shadow plots showing the difference that the proposed building makes may be helpful. In interpreting the
impact of such differences, it must be borne in mind that nearly all structures will create areas of new
shadow, and some degree of transient overshadowing of a space is to be expected”.

1.8. Section 3.3.17 states “It is recommended that for it to appear adequately sunlit throughout the year, at least
half of a garden or amenity area should receive at least two hours of sunlight on 21 st March. If as a result of
new development an existing garden or amenity area does not meet the above, and the area which can
receive two hours of sun on the 21st March is less than 0.8 times its former value, then the loss of sunlight is
likely to be noticeable”.

1.9. The only garden & open spaces within the analysis zone (figure 1) is the rear garden to Simla Court (Block
B1) and the all-weather sports pitch to the north of the site boundary. Figures 4 – 10 show a comparative
analysis of the existing (red) and proposed (blue) developments for the 21st March (spring equinox) from
10:00 -16:00.

1.10. The rear garden of Simla Court is located on the north side of block B1 and as such is overshadowed by
block B1 and surrounding buildings, including the existing development located at 98-124 Brewery Road.
The rear garden does not receive at least 2-hours of sunlight on March 21st under either the existing or
proposed conditions and there is little, if any change from existing baseline conditions, with the proposed
development in place.

1.11. The all-weather sports pitch to the north of the proposed development does have a slightly increased area
of transient shadow as a result of the increased height of the proposed development, but when considering
the size of area that the sports pitch covers, the increased area of shadow is minor and overall the area still
receives in excess of 2-hours of sunlight across more than 50% of the total area on March 21st.

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st st
Figure 8 March 21 (spring equinox) 11:00 – existing (red) & proposed (blue) Figure 9 March 21 (spring equinox) 12:00 – existing (red) & proposed (blue)

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Figure 10 March 21 (spring equinox) 13:00 – existing (red) & proposed (blue) st
Figure 11 March 21 (spring equinox) 14:00 – existing (red) & proposed (blue)

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Figure 12 March 21st (spring equinox) 15:00 – existing (red) & proposed (blue) st
Figure 13 March 21 (spring equinox) 16:00 – existing (red) & proposed (blue)

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Results
Vertical Sky Component (VSC)

1.1. In total 18 windows of adjacent residential properties located within Simla Court have been analysed Figure 14 VSC results for each window analysed
following the guidance and methodologies outlined in BRE digest BR209. The VSC at the centre of each
window has been calculated under both the existing and proposed conditions, together with the change
from baseline. Window Block Floor VSC
No Existing Proposed Change Status
1.2. BR209 section 2.2.7 states “If the VSC is greater than 27% then enough skylight should still be reaching the
window of the existing building. Any reduction below this level should be kept to a minimum. If VSC, with the 1039 B1 Ground 12.76 10.64 0.83 P
new development in place, is both less than 27% and less than 0.8 times its former value, occupants of the 1040 B1 Ground 16.96 7.98 0.47 F
existing building will notice the reduction in the amount of skylight”. 1041 B1 Ground 19.58 11.15 0.57 F
1042 B1 Ground 20.36 13.19 0.65 F
1.3. Detailed results of the VSC analysis, for each of the 18 windows, can be found in figure 11. The results show
that 10 windows have results both less than 27% VSC and less than 0.8 times their former value. 1043 B2 Ground 20.51 19.48 0.95 P
1044 B2 Ground 18.25 17.06 0.93 P
1045 B1 First 22.36 16.31 0.73 F
1046 B1 First 24.67 12.51 0.51 F
1047 B1 First 27.91 16.53 0.59 F
1048 B1 First 29.40 19.49 0.66 F
1049 B2 First 26.56 25.50 0.96 P
1050 B2 First 23.27 22.00 0.95 P
1051 B1 Second 32.08 26.52 0.83 P
1052 B1 Second 30.69 19.21 0.63 F
1053 B1 Second 32.01 21.32 0.67 F
1054 B1 Second 32.96 23.81 0.72 F
1055 B2 Second 32.58 31.20 0.96 P
1056 B2 Second 29.37 28.06 0.96 P

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Vertical Sky Component (VSC)

Figure 15 Waldram diagram Vertical sky component (VSC) comparison

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Average Daylight Factor (ADF%)

1.4. Average Daylight Factor (ADF%) analysis has been carried out in 9 rooms within Simla Court. The rooms Figure 17 ADF% results for the 6 rooms analysed within Simla Court building B1
are believe to be bedrooms and are served by 9 windows on the rear east façade of building B1. Having a
direct line of sight too, and within close proximity of the proposed development, these rooms are Window Block Floor
potentially the worst affected by the proposed development and have therefore been analysed in-line ADF% Status
with the requirements of BS8206-2 (2008). B1 Ground
1039 - N/A
1040 B1 Ground 0.89% F
1.5. The daylight factor analysis shows that all but one of these rooms exceeds the minimum average daylight
factor of 1%, as defined by BS8206-2 (2008) table 5.4, when considering the rooms to be bedrooms. As 1041 B1 Ground 1.22% P
would be expected, the worst affected room is located on the ground floor, closest to the junction with 1042 B1 Ground 1.57% P
the north façade served by window 1040. This window is most obstructed under both existing and B2 Ground
1043 - -
proposed conditions due to the position and external obstructions. The average daylight factor (ADF%) is
1044 B2 Ground - -
0.89%, slightly below the minimum requirement of 1%. It should be noted that this room and those above
on the first floor (1046) and second floor (1052) have a 10% larger floor area (3350mm x 3000mm) than 1045 B1 First - N/A
the other 6 rooms analysed (3000mm x 3000mm), therefore the average is taken over a slightly larger 1046 B1 First 1.28% P
working plane. 1047 B1 First 1.73% P
1048 B1 First 1.28% P
Figure 16 Simla Court (B1) showing daylight across the ground, first and second floor rooms analysed
1049 B2 First - -
1050 B2 First
Ground First
1051 B1 Second - N/A
1052 B1 Second 1.70% P
1048 1053 B1 Second 2.05% P
1042 1054 B1 Second 2.33% P
1055 B2 Second - -
1056 B2 Second - -
1041 1047

1040 1046

Second

1054

1053

1052

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Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH)

1.6. Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH) analysis has been carried out for each of the 18 windows. Each Figure 18 APSH results for each window analysed
window is analysed to ensure at least 25% of APSH is received, with at least 5% during winter months. The
total sunlight hours for London, on an unobstructed plane, is 1486. In order to calculate the resulting
sunlight hours from the APSH results we simply multiple the APSH, as a fraction, by the total sunlight Window Block Floor APSH
hours. Therefore 25% APSH equates to 371.5 sunlight hours (0.25 x 1486). Annual Annual Winter Winter Status
Existing Proposed Existing Proposed
1.7. The analysis shows that 9 of the 18 windows tested pass both the annual and winter APSH test and 2 1039 B1 Ground 0 0 0 0 N/A
windows pass the winter APSH but fail to achieve the required Annual APSH targets. Out of the 7 B1 Ground
remaining windows, 4 fail to achieve both the annual and winter APSH targets, whilst the remaining 3 1040 11 1 0 0 F
windows (1039, 1045, 1051) face north and therefore have little, if any exposure to direct sunlight. In 1041 B1 Ground 22 11 3 1 F
accordance with BR209 (2011) windows not facing within 90-degrees of due south do not need to be 1042 B1 Ground 28 16 6 4 F
analysed. 1043 B2 Ground 38 36 8 8 P
1044 B2 Ground 42 42 9 9 P
1045 B1 First 1 0 0 0 N/A
1046 B1 First 26 12 2 0 F
1047 B1 First 37 22 10 6 F
1048 B1 First 46 21 11 7 F
1049 B2 First 48 46 12 12 P
1050 B2 First 48 46 13 12 P
1051 B1 Second 4 0 0 0 N/A
1052 B1 Second 44 29 11 8 P
1053 B1 Second 51 31 15 11 P
1054 B1 Second 54 34 14 10 P
1055 B2 Second 55 53 16 15 P
1056 B2 Second 52 49 17 15 P

N/A: Windows face north and are therefore not within 90-degree of due south and do not need to be analysed for
APSH, plus there is little, if any change from baseline conditions.

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Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH)

Figure 19 Waldram diagram Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH) comparison

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