We're trying to parse out items between MRc3 and 5 and aren't totally sure about how to handle the following items. My guesses or comments are in parentheses.
-Cubicle curtains (MRc5)
-Cubicle curtain tracks (MRc3)
-Fabric wrapped panels on demountable partitions (MRc3)
-Fabric wrapped panels that can be removed from the wall for replacement at a later date (MRc3)
-Window coverings - in clinical spaces (MRc5) vs non-clinical spaces (MRc3)
-Casework and headwalls that are initially built in but are modular/movable (MRc3)
In other words, if you turn the building upside down and shake it, the things that come out qualify for this credit. The only exception is window coverings because they are directly referenced in the credit language.
Any thoughts?
Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
326 thumbs up
February 24, 2015 - 9:13 pm
Hi Mara!
I agree with your guesses, except that I am not sure about your distinction between clinical and non-clinical window coverings. Typically, window coverings are considered furnishings, not part of the base building; therefore, they seem applicable to HC-MRc5 regardless of where used. The only type of window covering that might be “immovable” is that with a roller mechanism integrated into a built-in ceiling pocket. Even then, I would only include the built-in pocket in MRc3. (You have made a similar distinction between cubicle curtains and their tracks.)
I have always liked your “upside-down shake” analogy. Similarly, LI#10294 (http://www.usgbc.org/leed-interpretations?keys=10294) draws a keen line in its definitions of Real Property (permanently installed) and Personal Property (movable furniture and non-permanently affixed items). Although the USGBC database does not list LI#10294 as “applicable” to HC credits, the distinctions made in this interpretation seems to align with those made between HC-MRc3 & HC-MRc5.
Susan Walter
HDRLEEDuser Expert
1296 thumbs up
February 25, 2015 - 6:09 pm
I agree with you about the cubicle curtains, track, casework, headwalls and wall mounted fabric wrapped panels.
Demountable partitions are like casework in my mind. Partial height demountable partitions would be in MRc5 as it is very clear to me that this is 'furniture'. The full height partitions are where I start to wonder. I believe the intent is that they also would go into MRc5. But are these full height demountable partitions the metal cabinets of the pre-fab wall world?
I think you can sell that some of the window coverings would be in MRc3 but you'll need a good narrative. Most people don't have the extensive healthcare experience to know the difference so the reviewers would need to be educated. I do think that most window coverings go into MRc5.
Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
326 thumbs up
February 25, 2015 - 7:59 pm
I had overlooked demountable partitions on my first pass, but I think Susan is right that they would be furniture applicable to HC-MRc5. LI#10294 classifies “removable partitions (including drywall and glass system partitions including doors) that can be readily removed and reused without damage to other partitions, ceilings, floors, or structure” as “Furniture.”
On the other hand, operable partitions—the kind that slide, fold, accordion, or coil on a fixed track—would be permanent building components affixed to the building without intention of ever being removed. These would be applicable to HC-MRc3.
Mara Baum
Partner, Architecture & SustainabilityDIALOG
674 thumbs up
February 25, 2015 - 8:06 pm
Hi Jon and Susan - nice to hear from you both.
We are including window coverings as base building design in several projects where the owner provides FFE - so that's the one item out of line with respect to this list. They also won't fall out unless you shake the upside-down building really, really hard :)
Both the demountable partitions (full height, not furniture systems) and modular/movable casework seem to be a gray area, but LI#10294 draws the line in the sand pretty clearly. Based on that logic I'd be tempted to put modular, movable casework in the same category but I know that USGBC has been really testy about people not including casework in the base building MR calcs in the past.
Thanks for the input. This is really helpful.
Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
326 thumbs up
February 25, 2015 - 9:12 pm
Mara – The funny thing about modular casework is that—even for permanent installations—modular units have nearly supplanted shop- or site-fabricated cabinetry. I have even seen modular units dressed up in walnut, chrome, and granite to look like custom, built-in casework.
The operative language from LI#10294 may be “affixed to the building without intention to be removed.” Even the credit language from HC-MRc5 says, “Built-in casework and built-in millwork items must be included in the base building calculations, even if manufactured offsite.” (I’ve never figured out why this language isn’t in HC-MRc3 too.)
Therefore, if the client is purchasing casework as FF&E, count it under HC-MRc5. Similarly, if the casework resembles tenant fittings that you would expect to remove in a few years when the tenant (or the department) moves, call it furniture under HC-MRc5.
On the other hand, if you have 800 patient rooms that you expect to remain so for the life of the building, and if each room has a built-in nursing station and patient wardrobe that you expect to last many years, call it permanent construction under HC-MRc3, even if the casework comprises modular units.