Daylight and Views Strategies

IEQ credit 8.1 and 8.2 address the provision of daylight and views into healthcare spaces respectively. The intent is to provide building occupants with a connection to the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas of the building. The fact that there are up to five points available between these 2 credits indicates the recognized importance of this outdoor connection, particularly in healthcare settings. Points for daylighting are earned by first earning at least 2 points for views and then following calculated or prescriptive methods to indicate the daylighting has been achieved. When it comes to views, the LEED for Healthcare criteria goes on to differentiate between inpatient units and non-inpatient areas with different criteria for each. Ninety percent of inpatient areas, including patient rooms, staff areas, and public areas must be within 20 feet (or twice the window head height, whichever is smaller) of the perimeter with specified unobstructed views. Non-inpatient areas are addressed by calculating the square footage of the perimeter extending 15 feet inward compared to perimeter area requirements that then qualify for either 1 or 2 points. Door openings can contribute to this strategy since adding glazing, toplights and sidelights to door openings are recognized by LEED for Healthcare. Specifically, the language for IEQ Credit 8.2 – Views states that for both in-patient and non-inpatient areas, portions of side lit areas beyond the 15 feet view area boundary that meet the requirements of IEQ Credit 8.1: Daylight may be included in the qualifying areas of this credit. Hence, designing glazing into interior door openings can be an effective tool to provide both daylight and views to spaces that otherwise may not benefit from either.

Daylighting and views are possible in more spaces through the use of side lights in doors that give access to perimeter windows. Photo courtesy ASSA ABLOY

Special Healthcare Applications

Hospital and healthcare settings have a number of special needs when it comes to door openings that should be mentioned here. These special needs are related to the operation and use of doors by staff and patients in unique settings and situations but don't detract from the overall ability to contribute to LEED certification. A short listing of some of the things available to make healthcare doors easier to use include the following:

• Medical bearing hinges: These are self-lubricating hinges with high resistance to wear making them ideally suited to doors with a lot of traffic or daily use. These hinges are uniquely designed to provide clean and quiet hinge operation also helping with acoustic control.
• Multi-point hold open closer with swing-free arm: This is a rather sophisticated door closer that allows the door to operate as if no closer were installed. They are suitable for patient rooms, corridors, and stairwell use and can remain in a variety of hold open positions until moved or otherwise triggered to close. For example, they can be provided with or without smoke detector or tied in to a building fire detection system so that in case of fire, the door automatically closes from any position.
• Door closer with motion sensor: This type of specialized closer/door operator minimizes tactile contact from multiple occupants passing through the opening. It is also a low energy alternative to automatic operators.

A coordinated approach that addresses all the parts and pieces of successful door opening solutions can also contribute to the overall green building certification of a healthcare facility. Photo courtesy of ASSA ABLOY

Conclusion

In the process of pulling together the myriad of elements into one cohesive green building design, it is also very critical to similarly assemble all of the components of a total door opening (e.g., frame, door, hardware, exit devices, card readers, etc.). In green healthcare buildings in particular, this all comes together by properly addressing the various aspects of the door openings. Energy efficiency includes door assemblies that are rated for their actual operable U-factor/R-value. It also includes specifying appropriate door frames to include weatherstripping and gasketing to restrict air leakage. Products used for door openings can be specified from highly sustainable materials and contribute to long-lasting use and re-use. Properly selecting the materials and finishes also addresses indoor air quality while the design of the total door opening can address other aspects of overall indoor environmental quality such as acoustic control, contaminant control, and daylight and views. In short, successful green healthcare facilities can be greatly enhanced by paying proper attention to all of the aspects of total door opening solutions.

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, practices, consults, and writes about sustainable design and practice solutions nationwide. www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch

ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety, and convenience. Their architectural representatives and specification consultants assist with specification writing and LEED consultation. Their products address doorway-related green building needs, including energy efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. www.assaabloydss.com/sustainability

 

This course earns LEED BD+C credits