Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture

the Members’ rooms. The windows, together
with the internal blind system, were modelled
as part of an EU Joule 11 study together with
the suggested system of ventilation in a mock-
up in Southern Italy in accelerated tests to
prove the method of daylighting and
ventilation.
The window detail shows a projecting light
shelf which bounces natural light on to the
white concrete arched ceiling into the interior
of the room, and although research suggests
that this does not increase the ‘level’ of
daylight in a space, it assists its distribution,
whilst at the same time acting as solar
shading.
Clerestoreys above the bookcases at the
rear of the room allow daylight to escape
from the interior of the Members’ rooms to
enliven the internal corridor beyond what
would otherwise be a totally artificially lit
space.

Portcullis House, Westminster 83

Plan at 2nd-4th level showing the MPs’ rooms

Plan of a pair of MPs’ rooms with intermediate staff

Section through a typical window to a Member’s room

Michael Hopkins & Ptnrs

Michael Hopkins & Ptnrs

Michael Hopkins & Ptnrs