Adequate view out

BREEAM UK New Construction, Non-domestic Buildings (United Kingdom), Technical Manual, SD5078: BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 3.0, published by BRE Global Limited, defines an adequate view out as:

‘Where relevant building areas are within 8m of an external wall which has a window or permanent opening, and the window or opening is ≥ 20% of the surrounding wall area. Where the room depth is greater than 8m, the percentage of window or opening must instead be the same as, or greater than, the values in Table 1.0 BS8206: Part 2. The view out must be a view of a landscape or buildings (rather than just the sky) at seated eye level (1.2– 1.3m) within the relevant building areas and should ideally be through an external window. A view into an internal courtyard or atrium will comply provided the distance from the opening to the back wall of the courtyard or atrium is at least 10m (therefore allowing enough distance for the eyes to refocus). The view cannot be an internal view across the room, as this is likely to become obstructed by partitions, filing cabinets etc. In addition to this, an external view out can offer positive effects on health and wellbeing that cannot be offered by an internal view.’