Skylights – Design and Selection Overview
Careful attention to the design and selection of skylights is important as this will save energy, help to avoid problems and ensure a pleasing result for your living or working environment. The following factors should be considered to ensure the end result achieves light levels amendable to a safe and happy environment and the full […]
Skylights – Sizing for adequate light
AS4285 – 2007 Size of Skylights The table below refers to skylight sizes commonly available throughout Australia. For practical purposes this table shows them as applied to typical rooms in Australian residential buildings where the skylights are not the only natural source of light. This table is based on many years of industry experience. Other […]
Skylights – Size of Skylights
Sizing of a skylight is dependant on the level of illumination required. The table in ‘Size of Skylights,’ provides guidance for average installations under average related conditions. It also assumes that some other form of lighting, such as borrowed light from a window, contribute to the overall result in the living areas for a satisfactory […]
Skylights – Location of Skylights
The skylight should be located on the roof in such a manner that it is clear of overhanging trees and depending on aspect, is configured to meet lighting requirements of the room. They should also be located clear of obstructions including hips, valleys, air conditioning, vent pipes, solar water service etc. As skylights do not […]
Skylights – Fire Protection
Fire separation for buildings as detailed in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) should be considered when planning placements of skylights. The BCA places limitations on the location of skylights near property boundaries and adjacent adjoining buildings to reduce the likelihood of fire spread between buildings. Generally the provisions are based on nominated distances from […]
Lighting
Lighting can transform your new house into a home. Early planning about your lighting requirements can save a costly and inconvenient retrofit at a later stage. As part of this planning process you will need to decide about the type of lighting you require. This decision is more than thinking about whether you want downlights, […]
Insulation – Downlights
Special provisions apply for the installation of insulation near downlights. Where this occurs, it can increase fire risk if there is insufficient clearance and air ventilation around electric lights and fittings. As a result of these concerns, Standards Australia has issued rules which require a clearance of 200mm around lamps and transformers. Any combustible building […]
Natural Light in Habitable Rooms – Roof Light Concession
The Building Code of Australia has a minimum requirement for natural light to a habitable room. It is calculated based on the floor area of a habitable room. A window opening is required that has an area 10% of the floor area of the room. Light may also be borrowed from the adjoining room. The […]
Lighting – LED and incandescent bulbs
As announced by the Australian Government in 2007, the incandescent light bulbs will be banned and start being taken off the shelves by the end of 2009. Better quality halogen lights will continue to be available but the least efficient group of this lighting will be phased out as well. The move of replacing incandescent […]