News & Insights

6 design decisions that impact daylight performance

15 June 2026

Effective daylight design is about far more than simply providing windows. The quality, distribution and penetration of natural light within a building are shaped by a range of architectural and spatial design decisions made throughout the design process.

Factors such as room depth, façade width, glazing design and internal layouts all play an important role in determining how daylight enters and moves through a space. Thoughtful consideration of these elements can significantly enhance occupant wellbeing, visual comfort and the overall quality of residential environments.

In this resource, we explore six key design considerations that can influence daylight availability and penetration within residential developments:

  • Unit depth
  • Façade width
  • Window size and location
  • Kitchen workspace positioning
  • Wardrobe placement
  • Storage location

Each of these factors can affect access to natural light, the distribution of daylight throughout a dwelling and the experience of those who occupy the space.

By addressing daylight considerations early in the design process, project teams can create brighter, healthier and more comfortable homes while supporting high-quality design outcomes.