M. Movehhedi Nia - Department of Architecture, Saba Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
M. Nikpour - Department of Architecture, Bam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bam, Iran
E. Jahanshahi Javaran - Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

The research aims to develop sustainable daylighting strategies for contemporary buildings by drawing inspiration from traditional vernacular housing solutions. In this study, the daylight factors of a contemporary residential space with a central courtyard which is located in Kerman, Iran is evaluated. After modeling the building in Design Builder software, the U-values of the external walls, roof, floor and windows based on the available materials in the market of Iran are calculated. The results of daylight simulations are presented in term of Average DF (%), Work plane Illuminanace (Lux) and Uniformity Ratio as well as annual Indicators of daylight such as sDA and UDI. Zone ۳ in the ground floor which is a space under top lit atrium acts as a source of daylight. Although, Zone ۵ in the ground floor has reasonable daylight factor, the uniformity ratio is not acceptable due to simultaneously existing the areas of little and high illuminance. Zone ۷ in the first floor as a public sapce can provide large potential for daylight utilization with DF equal to ۲.۶% and average WPI with ۸۲۶ Lux because there is a possibility to receive daylight from east direction with designing central courtyard in the first floor plan.

Central Courtyard, Daylight Factor, Illuminance, Uniformity