Hello - I am working on an interiors project within a new tower, 1 Bligh St, in Australia. The tower features a double skin facade envelope system.
My question is around the requirement that the line of sight to determine credit achievement can pass through a maximum of 2 interior glazing surfaces.
Does the double skin count as 1 exterior glazing surface, or does the interior glass plane constitute an interior glazing surface?
The answer is critical to credit achievement as our project features fully glazed interior conference rooms.
Thank You
Breeze Glazer
Steve Khouw
PrincipalDNA GreenDesign
169 thumbs up
July 24, 2012 - 1:36 am
Now this is interesting, I came across a similar project in Shanghai. I tend to think the interior glazing to be equivalent to 1 borrowed light already. Each glazing barrier will cause transmission deterioration to the quality of daylight and view.
TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
889 thumbs up
July 24, 2012 - 8:10 am
The double skin facade is the facade and would not be counted as an interior partition, since its not. It would be the same if you had glass exterior shading devices.
If questioned, provide images showing that they are views to the exterior.
Now if the double skin facade really does obscure the view and not really provide a quality view for the occupant, then this would be going against the intent of the credit.
breeze glazer
Research Knowledge Manager: Healthcare Sustainabilitypw
59 thumbs up
July 24, 2012 - 9:33 am
Thank you both for the speedy and thoughtful responses. Unfortunately I tend to agree with both your opposing opinions, if only a 3rd person weighed in....
Steve Khouw
PrincipalDNA GreenDesign
169 thumbs up
July 24, 2012 - 9:49 am
Guys, I am not sure now, Todd has a point indeed. Gents, are you aware of the new Shanghai Tower being built? Designed by Gensler in collaboration with local architects, it has a double skin but the space between the exterior and interior glazing, is actually usable space, for public use. Beezer, is your project of similar application? Todd, in this instance will the interior skin counted as internal glazing therefore deemed to be borrowed light for occupants in inner core? What is the difference between a private cell adjoining a core wall with glazing partition facing the external skin?
TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
889 thumbs up
July 24, 2012 - 9:57 am
Steve, if the space between the two faces of glass is occupied, then the interior layer would be considered an interior partition of glass and not the double facade. Typically, a double facade is not occupied. So with the Shanghai Tower it would not be considered the facade.
Not sure what you are asking in your second question.