Discuss NCARB PDD Exam Topic 2 Question 15

The client requests to limit daylighting in a second-story bedroom located in the northeast corner of a new house, especially in the mornings. The architect is considering options for the windows in terms of quantity, size, type, and location, and notes that emergency escape and rescue openings must provide a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet.

AThree 2' x 2' awning windows on the east wall

BOne 4' x 4' fixed window on the north wall

CTwo 3' x 2' casement windows on the east wall

DOne 3' x 5' double-hung window on the north wall

Suggested Answer: D

Emergency egress requires minimum 5.7 sq ft clear opening (net).

Double-hung windows' clear opening is about half the sash area. A 3'5' nominal size gives 32.5 = 7.5 sq ft gross, ~6.25 sq ft clear meets code.

North wall placement minimizes direct morning sunlight (vs. east wall).

A: 2'2' awning too small and awnings don't count for egress in most cases.

B: Fixed windows do not meet egress operability requirements.

C: Two 3'2' casements on east wall each only 6 sq ft gross, and east wall gets morning sun, opposite client's goal.

PDD Reference: IBC 1030 Emergency Escape and Rescue; ARE 5.0 PDD ''Code compliance---Daylighting control & egress.''

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17 comments · newest first

Marta 22 days ago

D is spacious, but I worry about the light issue.

Dolores 28 days ago

C balances light and air, plus meets escape requirements.

Flo 1 month ago

North wall is less direct sunlight, so B could work.

Louis 1 month ago

True, but it might let in too much light in the mornings.

Marta 1 month ago

Option D is good for aesthetics, but not for light control.

Dolores 2 months ago

I prefer option C for better ventilation.

Flo 2 months ago

But option B offers a larger view.

Louis 2 months ago

I think option A limits morning light well.

Frederica 2 months ago

Surprised they want to limit daylight in a bedroom!

Tonja 2 months ago

I agree, option D looks nice but might let in too much light.

Rebecka 2 months ago

Wait, how does a 4' x 4' window meet the escape requirement?

Tracie 3 months ago

I think option C is better for light control.

Tonette 3 months ago

Option A gives good ventilation.

Ma 3 months ago

I’m a bit confused about the sizes. I think the casement windows on the east wall might provide enough light control, but I’m not sure about the escape opening.

Linwood 3 months ago

I practiced a similar question where we had to balance light and egress. I feel like the double-hung window could be a good compromise for both.

Teri 3 months ago

I’m not entirely sure, but I think the fixed window on the north wall could limit light effectively. It might not meet the escape requirement though.

Willetta 4 months ago

I remember we talked about how window placement affects daylighting, especially in bedrooms. I think the east wall options might let in too much morning light.

NCARB PDD Exam - Topic 2 Question 15 Discussion