Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture

amount of available daylight would reach the
minimum standards set. This led to a window
area of 65 per cent of the external wall.
Windows are double glazed, with the
external pane comprising low emissivity ‘grey’
tinted glass, to reduce solar gain. Windows to
the south, west and east have all been fitted
with internal blinds between the double
glazed panes, to provide individual control
when required. Ventilation is achieved by top
hung opening lights.

The engineers provided a daylight analysis

for the sports hall, which indicated an average

daylight factor of 3.8 per cent from a small

area of overhead daylighting, which whilst

lower than Ministry guidelines, was thought

to provide 300 lux over the floor area for 75

per cent of daylight hours.

The control of the artificial lighting is by

manual switching in the individual areas; since

there is no BEMS there is no opportunity for

daylight linking, and it is left very much up to

the person in charge of the classroom to make

decisions as to whether the artificial lighting is

required to supplement the daylighting at any

particular time. Whilst savings in energy are

in the hands of staff, the excellent daylighting

allows savings in lighting energy to be made

provided that there is determined

management.

Worlds End School, Enfield 115

Section to show classroom wings and rooflight

Illuminance from daylight only

Architects’ Co-Partnership

Architects’ Co-Partnership