Bioclimatic Design

Bioclimatic design refers to the way in which buildings respond to their specific local climate, embracing the seasonal changes to create a low impact design. The design is based on using natural heating, cooling and daylighting. The principles outlined below include water and sanitation, daylight and ventilation, and the use of renewable energy systems.

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Natural Daylight

The sun is an extraordinary source of natural light: we only need one hundredth of the amount of direct midday sunlight falling on a desk for us to be able to see very well. Buildings should be designed to use this free resource even where electric lighting is available.

As our workspaces and schools become more dependent on computer screens the levels of ambient light can be reduced and too much glare can cause discomfort. Ideally some flexibility is therefore required to control the quality of natural light we admit into our buildings.

Even Distribution

Place windows at regular intervals on both sides of the room to achieve even distribution of daylight. Avoid direct sunlight by adequate shading.

Daylight Control

Blinds and shutters can control the quantity of sunlight and turn glare into diffused light. Moveable controls allow daylight to be adjusted.

Rooflighting

Roof lights admit two to three times as much light as windows but can cause glare and solar gain if designed incorrectly.

Reflectivity

The quality of natural lighting in a space is highly dependent on the reflectivity of walls, floors and surfaces within the space.

Artificial Lighting

Where spaces are used outside of daylight hours it will be necessary to provide energy efficient artificial lighting.