Standard Heights: Kitchen Counters, Bathroom Stall Dividers, and Ceiling Baffles

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Standard Heights: Kitchen Counters, Bathroom Stall Dividers, and Ceiling Baffles

Michael Gavin
July 19, 2023
Essentials, Photometrics, Simulation, Uncategorized

Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), sometimes accompanied by floorplans, are the most commonly used architectural drawings for running lighting calculations. So long as RCPs include ceiling heights, such drawings are sufficient for the bulk of typical lighting calculations. However, because RCPs and floorplans are 2D horizontal drawings, the height of vertical features is not known unless additional details are provided. Three building components that often lack height information in RCPs and floorplans include: kitchen counters (and any overhead cabinets), bathroom stall dividers, and ceiling baffles. Vela Photometrics applies it’s own standard heights for modeling such features when none are provided.

Kitchen Counters and Cabinets

Countertops are often illuminated with pendant lighting or undercabinet lighting and having the proper heights of such features can improve calculation accuracy. When no height information is provided for such casework, Vela Photometrics models counters with a height of 3 feet Above Finished Floor (AFF), and models any above-counter cabinets as 2 feet tall, mounted 4.5 feet AFF. Because 3 feet is above the standard workplane height of 2.5 feet, a separate calculation plane is created on the counter surface. Note that bathroom sink counters are an exception and usually sit lower; Vela calculates bathroom counters at standard workplane height.

Bathroom Stall Dividers

Bathroom stall dividers can significantly obstruct light, but there is relative consistency in the height of such features. When no height is provided, Vela Photometrics models stall dividers so that panels are 58 inches vertical and mounted at 1 foot AFF.

Baffles and Similar Ceiling Features

RCPs don’t always include the height of baffles, which often come in cuts ranging from 4 to 12 inches tall. Luminaires are often mounted below or flush with the baffles, so there is no obstruction of direct light and thus their size is of negligible importance. However, some designs call for luminaires mounted within or above the baffles; in such situations, direct light can be obstructed and changing the dimensions of the baffles can affect how so (see example below). Vela Photometrics models baffles as 9 inches tall when no height information is provided.

In the above AGi32 rendering and calculations, the baffles have been modeled to be 4 inches tall.

In this second simulation, significantly different results are realized when the baffles have been modeled to be 12 inches tall. Note that this also decreases uniformity along the wall.

Conclusion

Vela Photometrics’ standard heights will deliver meaningful photometric data in most scenarios. With that said, it is recommended that elevation and dimension details are provided whenever possible, particularly when it is known that commonplace building components greatly deviate from what is standard.