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NCARB PDD Exam - Topic 2 Question 15 Discussion

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.
D) One 3' x 5' double-hung window on the north wall
A) Three 2' x 2' awning windows on the east wall
B) One 4' x 4' fixed window on the north wall
C) Two 3' x 2' casement windows on the east wall

NCARB PDD Exam - Topic 2 Question 15 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's PDD exam
Question #: 15
Topic #: 2
[All PDD Questions]

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.

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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.''


by Crista at May 28, 2026, 03:54 AM

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Ma
5 hours 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.
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Linwood
5 days 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.
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Teri
11 days 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.
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Willetta
16 days 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.
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