Toolkit 23: Sunlight
Objective:
At the case studies of Choi Hung estate and Tiong Bahru estate sunlight is a considerably lacking factor, each individual units had inadequate sunlight accessibility especially into the inner depths of each unit, this lack of sunlight was due to two primary factors, one is the limited access points of sunlight through façade openings, while the second factor was a poor sunlight pathway due to parallel walls being installed to provide sectioned off living spaces within.
Therefore, this toolkit aims to provide:
- Improving solar access by enlarging solar access points such as windows and openings.
- Improving the path of sunlight within units by rearrangement of internal floorplans.
Toolkit 23 Options:
Option 1: Enlarging solar access points
One of the main access points for natural sunlight is through openings made in the façade of each individual units, by enlarging these access points it allows more area for natural sunlight to enter the interior of spaces to create a better living environment.
This should be achieved by:
- Enlarging existing window sizes
- Enlarging the total area of accessible sunlight access points
Option 2: Improving the path of sunlight
By improving the path of sunlight, it is able to create a obstruction free pathway for sunlight to enter the depths of the interior to provide more accessibility to sunlight in spaces further away from window openings.
This should be achieved by:
- Removal of parallel walls
- Strategically placed openings in the walls to guide natural sunlight into spaces within
- Removal of any unnecessary obstructions
- Using materials to diffuse lighting into different spaces
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Toolkit 23 materials:
Window frame detailing
Scale: 1:5 @ A3
Brand: Secco Sistemi
Model: OS2 75
Type: Casement Window
Purpose: Provide new window frames for improvement sunlight
Colour: Matched to external façade
Dimensions: 1200x2000mm (WXH)
U-Value: 0.97W/m²k
Website: https://www.seccosistemi.com/en/products/os2-75/
Benefits:
- Better thermal comfort
- Enlarged window area
- New external aesthetics to match current façade design
- Option of single or double glazed
Negatives:
- High cost
- Window frames have to be specially recoloured
Notes:
- Window frame colour can be changed to match façade aesthetics of each individual project
Brand: Moving Designs
Model: Top hung Acoustic Movable Wall
Type: Operable wall
Purpose:
Provide operable walls to create flexible spaces to allow sunlight diffusion within internal spaces when needed
Colour: Matched to internal finishing
Website: https://www.movingdesignslimited.co.uk/tech-specs/
Benefits:
- Allows user to adjust the space to fit their needs
Negatives:
- Tracks may experience wear and tear because of heavy load and consistent movement in every day use
Notes:
- Several stacking options available
Brand: 3M
Model: Sun Control Prestige PR70
Type: Window Film
Purpose: Provide better thermal insulation for single glazed window
Infrared Ray Rejection: >97%
Website: https://www.3m.com.hk/3M/en_HK/p/d/v000056917/
Benefits:
- Increased privacy and visual comfort
- Improved thermal comfort through a cheaper option
Negatives:
- Application requires skilled craftmanship for long lasting outcome
- May get easily scratched or teared due to hard rubbing during cleaning
Notes:
- Window film should have at least a minimum of 70% visible light transmittance (VLT), however, depending on each project lower VLT window film may be used to provide better visual comfort when viewing outwards
Brand: Guangzhou Tainsheng Building Materials
Model: TSD -1941
Type: Sliding full height windows
Purpose:
Provide full height windows to allow a greater amount of sunlight into interior spaces and easy access to the balcony space.
Colour: Powder coated white or dark grey
Benefits:
- Allows user easier access to balcony space and allows more access to sunlight throughout the day
Negatives:
- Movable parts may get jammed after years of usage if not properly maintained as it is more exposed to the weather
Notes:
- Designed to be rigid for external usage
Brand: TruStile
Model: TSD -1941
Type: TRG600
Purpose:
Provide transom windows to allow light diffusion into internal spaces with no direct window access
Colour: Matched to internal finishing
Website: https://www.trustile.com/interior-doors/transoms
Benefits:
- Allows greater access to diffused light during the day in interior spaces
Negatives:
- Possibly hard to operate for older residents due to its high position
Notes:
- Multiple alignment options available.
Toolkit 23 application:
Toolkit 23 is applied to the following case studies:
