Sustainable design calls for daylighting strategies complying with recognized performance standards. But post-construction is a bad time to discover glare, overly bright areas, dark spaces, or poorly balanced light levels.

Kalwall Corporation has developed a unique service to help design/build professionals validate effective daylight plans when utilizing Kalwall translucent building systems. Just as traditional and 3D computer modeling show a finished design’s appearance, site-specific daylight simulation demonstrates the impact of size, type and placement of skylights, windows or translucent wall systems. Computer-generated charts and light-level schematics simulate the effects of various daylighting alternatives, enabling designers to analyze how light will behave before plans are finalized.

Beyond the building itself, well-planned daylighting considers a number of issues. How will the structure be positioned relative to the topography or the points of the compass? What is the effect of local climate and the sun’s path? Might any proximate structures create an urban canyon at certain times? Are there mountains or trees nearby or reflections off the surfaces of buildings or bodies of water? A daylighting design that is effective in one location simply may not be in another. How much daylight is needed? What about harsh glare and shadows? Too often, bright sunlight blinds occupants, overheats the space, or overworks the HVAC system. Using daylight simulation, “what if” scenarios can eliminate any negatives. Alternate design solutions are studied and planned, revealing better ways to daylight any space.

Balanced daylighting is essential. Kalwall Corporation has the translucent building systems, experience and expertise to help realize your daylighting goals.

For more information, visit www.daylightmodeling.com or call 1-800-258-9777.

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