Challenge:
To create a one story 10,000 SF school that maximizes daylight without sacrificing energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the nation’s schools spend more than $6 billion each year for energy. If they all achieved energy savings of 30% through a combination of operational improvements, efficient and renewable energy technologies, and better building design – including innovative daylighting strategies – the savings could be as much as $2 billion.
Solution:
Barba & Wheelock decided to increase daylight by connecting a series of classrooms with a corridor of light. They chose a Wasco Circular Dome skylight to create a diffused natural lightwell in the school’s main hallway – a space that also serves as a gathering and conversation area. Baxter achieved a 30% energy savings in addition to providing great daylight.
Nancy Barba says, “It was important for me to select a local company that could provide the skylight product that we needed for this project – not only for the school’s LEED® certification but in support of our firm’s values, as well. On a personal note, I like the fact that Wasco is committed to local philanthropy and I hold the company in high regard.”
Project Manager, Danuta Drozdowicz adds, “The quality of light in Baxter School’s Brewster Hall is extraordinary – and that is so important to effective learning and student performance. The fact that this was achieved without an energy penalty shows that this is a wonderful example of integrated design.”
