Solar Access Analysis
Solar Access Analysis
The design team developed 3 block plans to evaluate the access to daylight of each block plan. Referred to as the box plan, the L plan and the keyhole plan.
The Keyhole plan, pictured here, was initially thought to provide the greatest access to natural light by incorporating a courtyard design which also provided supervised outdoor space, an important consideration for an addictions treatment facility.
However a more detailed solar access study revealed that the proposed courtyard would actually provide very little access to natural light in the winter months when it was most needed. As a result of this study a more compact, energy efficient and cost effective design alternative was pursued by the design team.
As a result of this study a more compact, energy efficient and cost-effective design alternative was pursued by the design team.
Solar Access Case Study: Youth Addictions Facility
The video above illustrates a Solar Access Study undertaken for a Youth Addictions Facility in Northern Canada. Exposure to natural daylight is an important aspect of addictions recovery. A fundamental goal of the client and design team was to maximize the exposure to natural light, especially in the winter months when daylight in this region of Canada can be as little six hours per day.