Daylight for SketchUp®

MBS Daylight for SketchUp® is a quick, easy and cost-effective way to run the calculations required for both neighbour impact assessments and internal daylight assessments.

MBS Daylight for SketchUp® runs as a plug-in within the SketchUp environment which is of the most popular and intuitive drafting packages available, making it a popular choice with Architects and Consultants.

The software requires the construction of 3d models for the Proposed, Surrounding and Existing buildings (Test Dependent). For neighbour impact assessments you can perform window calculations to determine the Vertical Sky Component (VSC) and the Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH). Additionally, room calculations for Daylight Distribution (Also known as No Sky Line) and Average Daylight Factor* (ADF) can be calculated.

Following the latest publication (June 2022) of the Building Research Establishments (BRE) ‘ Site layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight – A guide to Good Practice’  we have incorporated the new daylight metrics (Daylight Factor and Illuminance Method) required to measure daylight levels within a new development.

Majority of the calculations export an .csv file tabulating the results. Waldram Diagrams as well as quick visual pass/fail/nearly ‘traffic light’ system are the visual outputs for VSC and APSH. Room calculations typically show a contour demonstrating the distribution of light.

With the addition of climate-based modelling, our program not only complies with the BRE guidelines but also complies with EN 17037, BREEAM and LEEDv4.   

*BR 209 Second Edition