Major Industries

Case Study - Minor Elementary School

Davis Architects of Birmingham, Alabama faced a tough challenge—how to blend traditional and state-of-the-art materials while creating a new, refreshing look that would boost pride in the community and get residents and students excited about their newly renovated school. The answer? A creative use of energy-saving, glare-free translucent daylighting.

According to Davis Architects, the school’s original gothic style, designed in the early 1900s, gave students and faculty a strong sense of visual identity. For the renovation of the exterior, they decided to match the original brick to complement the existing visual style while also creating a new and exciting look by utilizing Guardian 275® panels for the main entryway. The result? The school’s gothic lines and geometric shapes are echoed in the grid pattern and overall shape of the Guard-Tite™ wall system, and the Dark Bronze Anodize finish also helps the Guardian 275® panels, as well as the rest of the new addition, blend into the rich, traditional colors of the original building.

Whether it’s new construction or a unique renovation, Guardian 275® translucent panels are the perfect fit. Innovations such as our Translucent Adapter Panel and 1” panel systems allow for easy replacement of glass curtainwall. When it comes to school construction, Guardian 275® offers worry-free durability and protection from vandalism and playground “accidents” that other glazing systems can’t match.

Date Completed:

Spring 2000

Contractor/Installer:

Emack Slate Company

Architect:

Davis Architects—Birmingham, Alabama

Product Used:

Guardian 275® Guard-Tite™ Translucent Panel System—1” panels

Finish Color:

Dark Bronze Anodize

Other Details:

FRP color – Rose/White

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.