CHAPTER 10: TECHNICAL CRITERIA
areas, laundry, multipurpose, office, conference, lounge, and storage rooms.
insulated but should continue to the structure above any suspended ceiling.
In existing construction where the above cannot be met, at a minimum, full
Additionally, joints will require complete caulking.
spectrum indirect is required.
No door or window openings should be placed in walls adjoining other
building tenants unless fire and acoustical requirements are maintained.
As directed by the Federal Protective Service risk assessment, window
systems (glazing, frames, anchorage to supporting walls, etc.) on the
exterior facades of child care centers must be designed to mitigate the
Provide acoustical baffles in all ductwork which penetrates sound attenuating
hazard of glass fragments (or even whole panes) flying into occupied space
partitions.
following an explosive event at the exterior. To do this, the design must
10.7 Windows, Doors, and
balance the features of the glazing, framing, and attachments with the
capacity of the supporting structure to allow the system to develop its full
Hardware
resistive capacity. Coordination with FPS is paramount on this issue, as
this feature may have a significant effect on the budget.
The daylighting strategy used in the building design should achieve a mini-
10.7.1 Windows:
mum Daylight Factor (DF) of 2% in 75% of relevant spaces, including maxi-
Natural light into the interior, visual access from the interior to the exterior
mization of direct line of sight to vision glazing from regularly occupied
of the building, and visual access within the center are all of particular
areas, as described in LEED Version 2.0. Windows should be Energy
importance in environments for children. Windows should be provided
Star labeled where possible, including National Fenestration Rating Coun-
from classrooms to the outside, between classrooms, and from classrooms
cil (NFRC) labeling of whole-window thermal calculations. Consider low-
to circulation paths. Both children and adult caregivers must be considered
emissivity (low-E) glazing, depending on orientation, shading, and climate.
in meeting these requirements. The height and scale of windows, type of
glass, clear view (no horizontal members blocking view of either adults or
Horizontal window muntins (horizontal mullions) should not be located
children), control of light, the impact of the FPS Risk Assessment, and
between 600 mm and 1100 mm above the finished floor because they
safety factors must all be weighed.
could be used as climbing support. Windows should be placed lower, at
children's viewing height above the floor. Maximum window sill heights for
The designer should make every effort in the design to provide an exterior
children are 450 mm above the finished floor for infants; 600 mm above
window for every classroom, as a minimum. In the event that this cannot
the finished floor for toddlers; and 750 mm above the finished floor for pre-
be effected and an interior space must be occupied by children, the design
must still allow optimal access to light and view via clerestories, sidelights,
school children. Ideally, sill heights should be lower than these heights, but
windows, and clear lite doors (with safety glass). Children's spaces in new
in doing so it may constrict furniture arrangements. For the same reason,
construction must have a total window area of at least:
and for the likelihood of drafts, glass to the floor is undesirable.
8 percent of the floor area of the room if windows face south directly to
the outdoors. (Note: the area of south facing glass is less since the
Windows and doors with glass lower than 915 mm above the finished floor
quality of south facing light is generally brighter.)
must have safety guards or be constructed of safety-grade glass/polymer,
10 percent of the floor area of the room if windows face east or west.
and be equipped with a vision strip. Wire glass, if required, would best be
15 percent of the floor area of the room if windows face north.
replaced with an approved alternative, if cost permits. All glazing should
20 percent of the floor area of the room if windows are not on an exterior
be clear glass. Tinted glass is not recommended except when matching
wall. These must be oriented to "capture" the maximum amount of
existing glazing, as in a renovation project.
natural light. Any exceptions to these percentages must be approved
by the RCCC. Areas not requiring windows include toilets, kitchen
PBS-140 - July 2003
10-7
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