Sunlight Analysis

In Western Australia, R-Codes Volume 1 requires that new residential development does not unreasonably overshadow the solar collectors, solar access areas, or private open space of adjoining properties. A sunlight analysis demonstrating compliance with the sun access plane provisions is typically required for development applications in medium and high-density residential zones.

In NSW, the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (the Housing SEPP) and its Apartment Design Guide (ADG) require that a minimum of 70% of apartments receive at least 2 hours of direct sunlight between 9am and 3pm on 21 June (winter solstice). Sunlight analysis is required for all apartment DAs to demonstrate compliance with this requirement and to assess overshadowing of communal and public open spaces.

ArchiLume is Ark Resources' proprietary sunlight analysis platform. It quantifies the amount of sunlight received over a given time period - for example, winter solstice from 9am to 3pm - for each habitable room and open space, producing solar access compliance reports to the precision required by R-Codes (WA) and the Housing SEPP/ADG (NSW), accepted by planning authorities across both jurisdictions.

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Early-stage sunlight analysis allows the design team to test massing options and setback configurations before documentation is advanced. Identifying shadow impacts at concept stage allows design changes to be made cost-effectively, before construction drawings are complete.

Our current sunlight analysis practice is focused on WA (R-Codes) and NSW (Housing SEPP/ADG). For projects in other jurisdictions with specific solar access requirements, please contact us to discuss whether we can assist.