BASIX requires the following details about the skylights in the dwelling:
- area of the skylight at roof level (including frame)
- frame material, frame colour and glass type
- shading devices
- function of the space where the skylight is located
- floor type where the skylight is located
A skylight that has an area of less than 0.7m² may be omitted. Do not include tubed skylights.
BASIX assigns a number to each skylight; this number cannot be changed.
Frame material and glass type
There are 5 options for the frame material of the skylight, 4 options available for the frame colour, and 4 options for the glass type. The options selected affect the heat transfer between the exterior and interior of the home, which affects the home’s thermal performance. The optimal choice for a skylight will depend on the climate and other aspects of the home’s design.
Shading devices for skylights
To reduce excessive solar heat gain during summer, BASIX recognises the following types of shading for skylights:
- external fixed awning or blind
- external adjustable awning or blind
- external fixed louvre
- external adjustable louvre
Function of space where skylight is located
For each skylight, select the relevant function carried out within that space:
- Bedroom: If a skylight is in a sleeping area or any adjacent space that can only be accessed from a bedroom.
- Utility: If a skylight is in a utility space (e.g. laundry, bathroom or WC).
- Other: Any other type of space that is not a bedroom (or accessed from a bedroom) or utility such as living spaces, hallway, study, dining room, kitchen etc.
Floor type below where skylight is located
If the home is a single storey, select for the floor type, either:
- Concrete slab on-ground – where the slab is in contact with ground, or
- Suspended (ground) – where there is a suspended floor.
If the home has more than one storey, or if the skylight is above a mezzanine level, select “Upper”.
Improving thermal performance of a skylight
The BASIX tool provides feedback on the glazing design. If your project does not pass the thermal performance section, consider the following changes:
To reduce the heating load:
- select a frame and glass type with a low U-value
- use adjustable shading instead of fixed shading, where shading is selected.
To reduce the cooling load:
- select a frame and glass type with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
- select an external shading device.
Note: The glazing feedback is shared between windows, glazed doors and skylights. Changes in one section may impact on the feedback shown in other sections.