We're working on a case of a building complex that aims to achieve a LEED certification within some years. The complex is a sanctuary, and it includes several hospitality buildings and a shrine. It's located on top of a hill on a unique landscape surrounded by forests and mountains, so obviously you get quality views wherever you look at.
The problem comes when measuring daylight and quality views to meet the requirements of this credit. The shrine is very big, and it includes several underground chapels, that may represent 50% of the regularly occupied area. Since it was designed as a place for pray and intimacy, it has few windows which are made of alabaster (which means no views, and diffuse natural light). Due to the particular use of this building, we cannot change its architecture to make bigger windows.
When time comes to undergo the LEED certification, will this be regarded as an exception due to its particular use? Or if the shrine and chapels represent over 50% of the regularly occupied area there's no way we can get this credit?
Thank you!
TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
890 thumbs up
March 13, 2017 - 7:53 am
Being that this is a shrine and not a place of regular worship, such as a church, then some of the underground chapels could be excluded or much of the space based on the definition of regularly occupied. So if these underground chapels are just meant for individual meditation or offerings, kind of like a grotto, then these could be excluded. Any space within the shrine that is to be used on a regularly basis for worship would need to be included.