Comparing apartment balcony options in Toronto for usability, healthy lighting, and daylight availability

This major research project (MRP) summarizes findings of a simulation-based study that explored the possibilities of balconies as functional spaces and examined the impacts of balcony designs on daylight and healthy daylighting. This study analyzed and compared open air and glass-enclosed inset balconies for two typical unit sizes in multi-unit  residential buildings (MURB) in Toronto, Canada. The simulation results were compared against the Daylight Credit in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard and Feature 54 of the WELL Building Standard. Findings included recommendations for design options that enable balcony uses as dining, living and garden spaces, and relating to the impacts of balcony designs on building performance. Daylight availability and healthy lighting were evaluated both for the unit, and on the balcony. Future work should compare simulation findings to occupant satisfaction in field studies.