New research from leading building consultants, Peutz B.V., has revealed that by using higher performing insulation within rainscreen and cavity walls, it is possible to reduce construction thicknesses and achieve noticeable improvements in internal natural light levels. Its findings are explored in full in the updated Daylighting White Paper from Kingspan Insulation, available for download from here

The analysis looks at the change in the average daylight factor (ADF) for a room when premium performance Kingspan Kooltherm insulation is used compared with mineral fibre insulation.

For each scenario, comparative constructions were designed to achieve an identical U-value. This required a greater insulation thickness, and consequently wall and reveal depths, for the lower performing mineral fibre insulation constructions. A number of window arrangements were also considered for each scenario.

The findings showed that in all scenarios, the constructions using Kingspan Kooltherm insulation achieved improved ADF’s. The percentage improvements ranged from:

• 10.6 – 63.2 % with Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board;
• 13.7% - 23.2% with Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Board; and
• 6.3% - 24.3% with Kingspan Kooltherm K108 Cavity Board.

In addition, all results with the Kingspan Kooltherm products exceeded the minimum daylighting criteria from BS 8206-2: 2008 for bedrooms and living rooms.