Per 2009 CI you cannot count any glazing area below 30". Is it safe to assume that if a 42" file cabinet is placed in front of the window (not my design) that you can only include the area above 42"? As a side bar; the glazing is full height at 9' with a 2" frame...do I start my 63 degree angle from the 9' mark or from the 8'10"? Also, when calculating the glazing area do I subtract any other vertical or horizontal mullions?
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TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
890 thumbs up
February 6, 2015 - 8:26 am
Ryan,
If the file cabinet is just a piece of furniture that can be moved, then it does not have to be considered in the calculations. So you could use the 30". I would recommend not putting furniture in front of windows plus why would you design a façade like that only to cover it up.
Moving on, you would only use the 63 degree angle if there is some sort of overhang on the exterior or there is soffit near the window wall. In your case, you can use 2H starting at 8'-10".
When calculating glazing area, you only calculate the area of the glazing, all framework and large mullions should be excluded. Now if you have small mullions that you might find on a residential type window, you could just measure the glass within the frame, it would not really effect anything.
Ryan Favier
February 6, 2015 - 9:58 am
I appreciate the reply but the design commentary is not necessary; it's an interior fit-out of a 30 year old building that may or may not have fit the storage needs of the client.
Moving on...
The reality is, the file cabinets nor will any of the workstations up against the window will ever be moved without the use of special tools or assistance from multiple people. That said, can they still be used in the calculations?
TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
890 thumbs up
February 6, 2015 - 11:20 am
Being new to LEEDuser, people are here to help one another with their experience and knowledge and sometimes may make suggestions. We are professionals, at least I hope we all are, therefore we take suggestions and sometimes comments professionally, especially in threads where all of the information is not given. When we are wrong we admit and graciously accept the corrections, because its about providing the correct answer to all users.
I would like to direct you to the following page;http://www.usgbc.org/glossary/39#letterm
There you will find USGBC's definitions of furniture and furnishings, modular and moveable casework, and movable furniture and partitions. Cubicles, even ones that require a few bolts to be removed to move it is considered non-permanent. Filing cabinets, eventhough you are saying they will never ever be moved once placed does not mean that they are permanent.
Based on what you have described and to the best of my understanding of how the space is used, you can use the 30" as your starting height for the glazing. I'm saying this because the furniture and the workstations do not meet the definition of permanent.
I hope that has answered you question.