Building Performance
Daylight Modelling
Residential and commercial daylight analysis · Green Star, WELL and ADG compliance · IES VE and Radiance
Ark Resources & Daylight Modelling
Daylight access is a critical factor in building quality, occupant health, and planning approvals. Ark Resources provides daylight modelling and solar access analysis for residential apartments, commercial offices, and mixed-use developments across Victoria, New South Wales, and nationally. Our assessments are used to support planning permit applications, satisfy Green Star and WELL prerequisites, demonstrate compliance with apartment design guidelines, and resolve overshadowing disputes.
We use IES VE and Radiance-based simulation tools to calculate daylight factors, illuminance levels, Daylight Autonomy (DA), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). Our reports identify underperforming spaces early and provide practical design recommendations — including glazing optimisation, reflectance strategies, and shading adjustments — that improve amenity without compromising compliance.
With experience across high-density residential towers, commercial fitouts, and mixed-use precincts, our team understands the interplay between daylight performance, thermal performance, and energy efficiency. We work directly with architects and interior designers to embed daylight performance into the design process from the earliest stages.
Daylight modelling uses computer simulation to predict how natural light enters and distributes through a building. Key metrics include Daylight Factor (DF), Daylight Autonomy (DA), Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE). These are used in Green Star credits, WELL standards, apartment design guidelines (ADG/Good Design), and planning panel submissions.
Victorian apartment developments under the Better Apartments Design Standards and NSW developments under SEPP 65 / ADG require daylight analysis to demonstrate compliance with habitable room solar access requirements.
Daylight Modelling Services
Daylight Modelling FAQs
When is a daylight modelling report required?
A daylight report is typically required when your development is subject to Better Apartments Design Standards (Victoria), the Apartment Design Guide (NSW), Green Star certification, or when a council or planning panel requests evidence of solar access and overshadowing impacts. It is also commonly used proactively to optimise apartment layouts and glazing before documentation is finalised.
What software does Ark Resources use for daylight modelling?
We use IES VE for dynamic climate-based daylight modelling (calculating DA, UDI, and ASE) and Radiance-based tools for daylight factor and compliance assessments. These are industry-standard platforms accepted by GBCA, GBCA, and planning authorities.
Can daylight modelling help improve my design?
Yes. Early engagement allows our team to identify underperforming apartments or spaces and recommend glazing sizes, reflectance values, orientation adjustments, and shading strategies that improve daylight outcomes before construction documentation is locked.
How does daylight modelling relate to thermal performance?
There is a direct trade-off between daylight performance and thermal performance. Increasing glazing area improves daylight but may increase heat loads and reduce NatHERS or Section J compliance. Ark Resources can model both simultaneously to find the optimal balance for each project.
How long does a daylight modelling report take?
A standard apartment daylight report takes 1–3 weeks depending on project complexity and documentation availability. Green Star or WELL assessments requiring dynamic simulation may take 3–5 weeks. We provide accurate timelines at project briefing.
Our Daylight Modelling Team
Our consultants deliver daylight and solar access assessments for planning, certification, and design optimisation across Australia. Get in touch to discuss your project.
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Need a daylight modelling report?
Ark Resources delivers daylight and solar access assessments for planning, certification, and design optimisation across Australia. Contact us to discuss your project.