We are working on a factory project where the building meets all the requirements stated in the LEED NC Guideline to prove credit compliance. but the building is right next to another building and the views through windows are obstructed by that building. is it possible to show credit compliance with a situation like this? is there a minimum distance between two buildings that we need to comply with to earn this point?
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Emily Catacchio
Sustainability SpecialistWight and Company
610 thumbs up
October 13, 2011 - 11:00 pm
I'd say this may be a bit of a grey area, since "view" may not be well defined. However, giving your occupants a view out to a brick wall, is perhaps, not meeting the intent of this credit. The credit specifies that you give the occupants a "direct line of site to the outdoor environment" which may not be met with a very close view of an adjacent building. How close it is?
Susan Walter
HDRLEEDuser Expert
1296 thumbs up
October 14, 2011 - 5:11 pm
I think this is an interesting topic and one that is very grey. You could argue that a view of a brick wall is better than no window view at all and back it up with a study (Hamilton, 1984). LEED HC has attempted to clarify by phrasing it 'quality views' which is also undefined and untested but this isn't LEED HC. So, while I agree with Emily, I think you could argue the point with a reviewer.
Udana Ratnayake
121 thumbs up
October 22, 2011 - 1:46 am
Thanks emily and susan. the distance between the two building is about 30ft. so its better than having no windows at all. feel like it would get through. will update you all after submission and receive comments from the reviewer. thanks again.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
October 26, 2011 - 11:49 pm
In other situations I have focused on the phrase "views to the outdoor environment" in the credit language. In this case I do think it falls into a bit of a grey area, but I would go for it and see what happens.
Nadav Malin
CEOBuildingGreen, Inc.
LEEDuser Moderator
844 thumbs up
November 1, 2011 - 12:24 pm
I would be VERY surprised if this were rejected. The exterior of another building is part of the "outdoor environment". There is no requirement that it include view of nature, etc.
Emily Catacchio
Sustainability SpecialistWight and Company
610 thumbs up
November 1, 2011 - 12:33 pm
Udana, 30 feet sounds fine. I was thinking it was something like 6 inches!