Residential blocks face more restrictions in terms of daylight than detached houses, as lower-lying flats are overshadowed by higher-lying flats and neighbouring buildings. In the case of canal-side properties, this is partly offset by high ceilings and tall windows on the ground floor, as well as by courtyards that provide air and light.
At Borneo-Sporenburg, patios proved to be the best solution for providing all rooms in the deep, back-to-back terraced houses with sufficient daylight. Daylighthousing optimises the courtyard or patio of a five-storey block of flats to act as a light well, as the best means of providing lower-level flats with more daylight.
The four façades are oriented in relation to the sun. Each façade aims to maximise light intake with sunshading and optimal views. The light well offers a view of the sky. Maisonettes are proposed on the ground floor, where tall windows and voids in the façade allow light to penetrate deeper into the interior.
