SEPP 65 - Apartment Design Guide

04 I Building4L Solar and daylight accessSolar and daylight access are important for apartmentbuildings, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting andheating, improving energy efficiency and residentialamenity through pleasant conditions to live and work.Solar access is the ability of a building to receive directsunlight without the obstruction from other buildings orimpediments, but not including trees. Sunlight is directbeam radiation from the sun. Daylight consists of sunlightand diffuse light from the sky. Daylight changes with thetime of day, season and weather conditions.Access to sunlight for habitable rooms and private openspace is measured at mid winter (21 June) as this is whenthe sun is lowest in the sky and represents the 'worstcase' scenario for solar access.Summer 80 o (Sydney)2.7mWinter 32 o(Sydney)Figure 4L.2At least 70% of all apartments in a building should receivea minimum of 3 hours direct sunlight in mid winterFigure 4L.1Shading devices on balconies should shade summersun and allow winter sun access to living areas6 hoursvery goodAfternoonsungoodnorthgoodMorningsun3 hours3 hours