Large windows in Trent Basin, Nottingham.

Large windows in Trent Basin, Nottingham.

In The Meadows, Nottingham City Homes incorporated a chimney-like feature to include sun pipes that illuminate the staircases, reflecting the roof design of the existing adjacent properties and increasing light into the building.

In The Meadows, Nottingham City Homes incorporated a chimney-like feature to include sun pipes that illuminate the staircases, reflecting the roof design of the existing adjacent properties and increasing light into the building.

4. Light & ventilation

“The health of millions of children, the sustainability of the NHS, and the economic prosperity of Britain all now depend on a radical upgrade in prevention and public health.” (Simon Stevens, NHS, 2014)

Good design can encourage activities that carry multiple physical and mental health benefits. Including as much natural light and ventilation can help create healthier environments but there is a balance to be achieved to avoid large amounts of glazing facing south, which can cause indoors overheating in the summer.

The major constraint of providing large windows in compact cities like Nottingham is the issue of privacy (see page 16). Proposals need to achieve a balance to provide sufficient natural light and ventilation without prejudice to the neighbours’ privacy.

Design Criteria

4.1 Extensions do not block much light from neighbouring windows or gardens/patios.

4.2 Extensions do not prevent natural air flow from neighbouring windows or gardens/patios.

This sketch shows why it is important to consider natural light and ventilation. This proposed extension (shown in yellow on the left) dominates the neighbours’ rear garden and creates an unacceptable level of over-shadowing.

This sketch shows why it is important to consider natural light and ventilation. This proposed extension (shown in yellow on the left) dominates the neighbours’ rear garden and creates an unacceptable level of over-shadowing.