Lighten the Load
Oct 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Mike Kennedy
Daylighting is a fundamental part of a sustainable design strategy for schools and universities.
Bouncing the light
Daylighting is a key component in the design of Reedy Fork Elementary School, a 725-student facility that opened last year in Greensboro, N.C.
Innovative Design, architect for the project, says the school has curved, translucent light shelves and reflective ceiling tiles inside classrooms to provide uniform levels of light while using 40 percent less glass than what is normally used in daylighting applications.
“Because of the translucent nature of the light shelf and the design of the aperture, glare is minimized,” the firm says.
The facility also has south-facing roof monitors with translucent fabric baffles in the light wells that distribute natural light throughout the interior.
“Clear double glazing is used to maximize visible light transmittance and minimize glass-to-floor ratio,” the firm says. “Adequate overhangs over the monitor windows protect the spaces from direct light during peak periods.”
25 to 40
The percentage share of a typical school's energy costs attributed to lighting.Source: U.S. Department of Energy
30 to 40
The percentage recommended window-to-wall ratio for effective daylighting.
Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, “Tips for Daylighting with Windows.”
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