Daylighting fenestration
- 53 Visual lighting design
- 54 Circadian lighting design
- 55 Electric light glare control
- 56 Solar glare control
- 57 Low-glare workstation design
- 58 Color quality
- 59 Surface design
- 60 Automated shading and dimming controls
- 61 Right to light
- 62 Daylight modelling
- 63 Daylighting fenestration
- 202 Light elimination
- 203 Nightlights
- 204 Circadian emulation
63. Daylighting fenestration
Exposure to natural light can improve mood, alertness and overall health. Ideal lighting begins with proper exposure to diffuse daylight as well as careful design of windows and glazing to avoid excessive glare and heat gain. Balancing energy performance, thermal comfort and access to quality daylight are essential to proper building design.
This feature outlines design parameters for windows to optimize the quantity and quality of daylight.
Part 1: Window Sizes for Workspaces
The following conditions are met:
a) Window-wall ratio as measured on external elevations exceeds 20% and does not exceed 60%. Percentages greater than 40% require external shading or intelligent glazing to control unwanted heat gain and glare.
b) Between 40% and 60% of window area is at least 7 feet above the floor (Daylight Glass).
Part 2: Window Transmittance in Work Areas
The following visible transmittance (VT) conditions are met for all non-decorative glazing.
a) All glazing located above 7 feet from floor (Daylight Glass) has VT of 60% or more.
b) All glazing located below 7 feet from floor (Vision Glass) has VT of 50% or more.
Part 3: Uniform Color Transmittance
All windows used for daylighting meet the following requirement:
a) Windows have transmittance in accordance with circadian lighting design.
Part 4: Window Sizes for Living Spaces
Window/wall ratio as measured on external elevations must be:
a) Between 30% and 60% in living rooms.
b) Between 20% and 40% in bedrooms.
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Applicability Matrix
| Core & Shell | New Construction | WELL Interiors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Window Sizes for Workspaces | O | O | O |
| Part 2: Window Transmittance in Work Areas | O | O | O |
| Part 3: Uniform Color Transmittance | O | O | O |
| Part 4: Window Sizes for Living Spaces | - | - | - |
| Commercial Kitchen | Education | Multifamily Residential | Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Window Sizes for Workspaces | - | O | - | O |
| Part 2: Window Transmittance in Work Areas | - | O | - | O |
| Part 3: Uniform Color Transmittance | - | O | O | O |
| Part 4: Window Sizes for Living Spaces | - | - | O | - |
Verification Methods Matrix
| Letters of Assurance | Annotated Documents | On-Site Checks | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PART 1 (Design) Window Sizes for Workspaces |
Architectural Drawing | Spot Check | |
|
PART 2 (Design) Window Transmittance in Work Areas |
Architect | ||
|
PART 3 (Design) Uniform Color Transmittance |
Architect | ||
|
PART 4 (Design) Window Sizes for Living Spaces |
Architect |