Major Industries

Case Study - D.C. Everest Junior High School

Skylights, besides allowing natural light to illuminate interior spaces, are a great design tool for creating an eye-catching architectural focal point. One clear example of this thinking can be found in D.C. Everest Junior High School, located in Weston, Wisconsin.

When designing the new school, Somerville Architects of Green Bay, Wisconsin wanted to create what they call “academic villages” with classrooms that extend from a center “community square.” This unique square is the heart of the school and features separate storefront-like areas for administrative offices, a cafeteria, a library and student services. This “town center” feeling is also carried over to the clock tower in the center of the space, the octagonal bench below, and in the octagonal architectural details that lead up to a large custom glass skylight.

The uniquely shaped Auburn® glass skylight lends an open, airy, outdoor-like feel to the space. The uninterrupted influx of light, as well as a clear view of the sky, helps to define the area as separate from the rest of the facility. This space also allows students a relaxing and well-lit place to gather, while the choice of glazing material ties the skylight into the look of nearby high-performance windows.

Besides being a beautiful and long-lasting focal point, utilizing an Auburn® skylight in large, open areas also helps reduce energy costs by controlling the need for artificial lighting. And because educational facilities see most of their activity during daylight hours, properly designed daylighting can increase energy savings dramatically.

You can rely on Major Industries and our nearly thirty years of experience to help you create an eye-catching, energy-saving custom daylighting solution for your next project.

Date Completed:

Spring 2002

Architect:

Somerville Architects—Green Bay, Wisconsin

Product Used:

Auburn® Glass Polygon Skylight

Finish Color:

Clear Anodize—215-R1

Students benefit greatly from access to natural light - visit our LEED for Schools page for more information on the USGBC's LEED for Schools Green Building Rating System™ and how Major's daylighting solutions may apply.

More Design Options

To see how Major Industries' daylighting products can add numerous benefits to your next project, check out our downloadable Daylighting Design Guides. From sales floors to classrooms, Major Industries has your daylighting needs covered.