After studying the visual impacts the new second story addition would have on the neighborhood (see Hollywood Hills: Visual Impacts) with the installation of story poles, the impact of light and shadow came into question. Would the new second story affect the natural sunlight in the surrounding homes and yards? If so, when and how much?
As a Revit Project, this question could be answered after a few clicks of a button…
The Existing Structure and Proposed Structure were analyzed during the Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Fall Equinox. Due to the site & building orientation, the shade produced during the Winter Solstice (December 21st) will have an effect on the neighboring structures, producing the most shadow throughout the day. The Winter Solstice Study was set to December 21, 2014 at hourly intervals. The sun will rise at 6:56 AM and set at 4:46 PM (thanks Revit for doing all the calculations for me!). Check it out below:
The study shows that the north-western (north is up) neighbor will experience an additional hour of shade in the winter mornings only. Also, according to the study, the neighbor to the north would experience an additional hour of shade in the evening, but a 20′-0″ elevation difference and site retaining wall between the homes will prevent this.
-hlj