Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland's homes: consultation

Annex P – Section 16 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide: Windows

The clauses within Section 16 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide are set out in the table starting on the next page. Where a clause relates to dwellings specifically for older or ambulant disabled people, or dwellings for wheelchair users, this is highlighted within the table.

Column 3 of the table shows our proposal for each clause for the update to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide. In the case of the clauses that we are proposing to retain within the updated guide, the design criteria that we are proposing to include ‘as standard’ in future dwellings delivered to Housing for Varying Needs standards through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for each category of need – and to accommodation delivered through the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund (or subsequent funding) where the standard is relevant in Gypsy/Traveller accommodation – are highlighted in the third column of the table.

Informed by the proposals detailed in Chapter 3, column 4 shows which clauses are proposed to be introduced into building standards and guidance to implement the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard, along with those that are not applicable for inclusion.

It is important to note that the final proposals contained in the table will be subject to change based upon the outcome of the consultation.

16 Windows

16.1 The needs

16.1.1 Many people have difficulty opening and closing windows. Windows should be positioned and designed to allow for people of various heights and different physical abilities. The design must also comply with the Technical Standards [3], Parts E, P and Q and, in relation to ventilation, Part K.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the Building Standards references would be updated to Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Standards 2.9, 3.14, 3.16 and 4.8.

Please note that the design criteria set out in the second sentence would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

16.2 Window design

16.2.1 Living room windows, and bedroom windows where privacy is not affected, should have a sill height no greater than 600mm from the floor, which allows a seated person to see the view outside. Glazing bars or transoms should preferably not be positioned between 600mm and 1500mm from floor level to give an unobstructed view. However, the Technical Standards, Part P, require any glazing below 800mm from the floor to be safety glazing. To avoid the expense of this it may be preferred to keep the glazing above this height with a sill at approximately 750mm from the floor. Also in some localities residents may feel insecure with areas of low glazing and will prefer a sill height of 800mm – 900mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the following wording would not be included in the updated guide:

‘However, the Technical Standards, Part P, require any glazing below 800mm from the floor to be safety glazing. To avoid the expense of this it may be preferred to keep the glazing above this height with a sill at approximately 750mm from the floor. Also in some localities residents may feel insecure with areas of low glazing and will prefer a sill height of 800mm – 900mm.’

Please note that the design criterion set out in the first sentence would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

16.2 Window design

16.2.2 On upper floors further safety requirements will take precedence. Part P also requires windows above 4 metres from the ground to be safely cleanable from inside (by reference to BS 8213: Part 1 [13]), with a transom no less than 1100mm from floor level and with no opening part below. In this situation it will be necessary to have a sill or transom at or near this level. The window will also have to provide the means of escape required by the Technical Standards, Part E.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.8.4.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

16.2 Window design

Fig 16.1 Considerations in the design of windows

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the figure would be updated to reflect the proposed update to clause 16.2.1 above.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

16.3 Operating the window

16.3.1 Opening and closing the window should be as simple an operation as possible and should not involve people having to stand on chairs, or the like, to reach controls. There should be access to the room area in front of windows, from where controls should be operable from floor level. All handles and catches should therefore be at a height of not more than 1700mm above the floor or 1550mm if they have to be reached across a worktop or sink. However, on upper floors the position of safety catches may need to be above these heights in order to prevent them being reached by young children. (See also 11.1.1, 13.2.6 and 14.2.1 or 13.5.5 and 14.9.3 for wheelchair users.)

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.8.5.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

16.3 Operating the window

16.3.2 In bathrooms the bath should not be positioned below the window and the position of the wash basin and WC should allow access to the window controls.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that the design criterion relating to the wash basin and WC would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future, as would the design criterion for the bath in cases where a bath is provided.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

16.3 Operating the window

16.3.3 All handles and controls should be of a design that is easily grasped and adjusted.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

16.3 Operating the window

16.3.4 Dwellings specifically for older or ambulant disabled people: The controls should be operable with one hand and be at a maximum height of 1500mm or 1350mm if over a worktop or sink.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings specifically for older or ambulant disabled people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

16.3 Operating the window

16.3.5 Dwellings for wheelchair users: The controls should be operable with one hand and be at a maximum height of 1200mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

16.3 Operating the window

16.3.6 Dwellings for wheelchair users: In kitchens there should preferably be window controls that are not reached over a worktop or sink, though some users will be able to reach controls if they are at a height of no more than 1050mm and there is knee space below.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

16.3 Operating the window

16.3.7 Where these conditions cannot be met, or if the user is unable to reach the controls or manually operate a window, some form of remote control will be needed. Information on such controls is given in the BRE publication Domestic automatic doors and windows for use by elderly and disabled people [14].

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.8.5.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.