This technical note provides a general overview regarding natural ventilation for multi-dwellings. Guidelines are also provided for the design of natural ventilation in buildings in general as well as an overview of the regulatory environment in Australia and in Sydney in particular, in relation to natural ventilation in residential buildings. Criteria for natural ventilation for dwellings are also discussed.

A wind tunnel study has been carried out by WINTECH to establish the atmospheric wind driven natural ventilation potential for the UNSW Kensington Campus Main Service Tunnel. These predictions are then compared with the guidelines provided by Safe Work in Confined Spaces AS2865-1995 as well as other relevant standards such as AS1668-2.

Solar glare from buildings is known to be a potential hazard to motorists. For this reason, councils now generally require a study of solar reflectivity from large building projects and recommendations for solving potential glare problems.

One of the valid concerns held by structural engineers regarding wind tunnel testing is the reliability of pressure data obtained in the wind tunnel. Engineers need to know what level of confidence can be placed in wnd tunnel test results. Ideally, the degree of reliability would be represented as a safety factor.