Question 1

What is daylight modelling?

Accepted Answer

Daylight modelling simulates how natural light enters and spreads within a building to ensure compliance with lighting standards like the G7 Building Code.

Question 2

What is the building code clause G7?

Accepted Answer

Clause G7 of the New Zealand Building Code relates to natural light in buildings.

It ensures that all indoor spaces are provided with adequate daylight to support the health, safety, and comfort of occupants.

This includes meeting minimum daylight requirements for different types of rooms, such as living areas and workspaces. Compliance is typically demonstrated through daylight modeling to verify that sufficient natural light reaches key areas of the building.

Question 3

Do I need to model every room in my building?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t need to model every room in your building. Typically, daylight modelling is requested when a specific room is struggling to meet the G7/AS1 compliance requirements. We'll work with you to focus on the areas where natural light isn’t meeting the required standards, ensuring compliance without having to model every space in the building.

Question 4

What is the G7 VM1 verification method?

Accepted Answer

The G7 VM1 Verification Method is a recognised approach for demonstrating compliance with the New Zealand Building Code's requirements for natural light (Clause G7).

It provides a specific set of criteria and calculations used to verify that a building design delivers adequate daylight to its occupants, meeting minimum lighting standards for different spaces.

VM1 includes various methods, such as daylight factor calculations and simulation techniques, to ensure that spaces like living rooms and work areas receive sufficient natural light.

Question 5

Why is daylight important in building design?

Accepted Answer

Natural light improves occupant well-being, reduces energy costs, and meets regulatory requirements.

Question 6

How is daylight modelling performed?

Accepted Answer

Daylight modelling is performed using advanced simulation software to assess how sunlight enters and distributes within your building.

Factors like building orientation, location in New Zealand, surrounding obstructions, window placement, interior finishes (such as paint colors), and permanent fixtures (like stairs or kitchen cabinets) are considered.

To ensure accurate results, we'll gather detailed information from you about the building’s design and environment during the process. This enables us to evaluate whether your spaces meet the required daylight factors for G7 compliance.

Frequently asked questions on NZBC H1

Further Reading

New Zealand Building Code, H1 Clauses Breakdown