Case Study - Center 58 High School
Educational facilities always seem to benefit from a warm and welcoming main entrance—not only is it a spectacular focal point for students, faculty, and visitors, but it also becomes a well-lit gathering space where learning and sharing can continue outside of a classroom setting.
This theory is especially true at Center 58 High School, designed by the DLR Group of Kansas City, Missouri. According to the DLR Group, they focused their energy on creating “a distinctive main entrance and identity for the school” that embodied student and community pride. This extensive renovation project included covering more than half of the old structures’ exterior with new forms, “creating the impression of an entirely new school.”
One main element of this renovation are Guardian 275® translucent daylighting panels, utilized here in the form of Major’s Guard-Tite™ wall system. These translucent panels save energy by reducing the need for artificial light sources and eliminate glare from direct sunlight while still flooding the entire entrance area with natural light. Guardian 275® panels are a great way to reduce energy costs, especially in large, hard to illuminate areas like entryways, cafeterias and athletic facilities.
Adding to the “refreshed” of the new main entrance is the DLR Group’s choice of panel color. The white/white FRP color combination chosen by the DLR Group, along with the Polar White Kynar® finish on the aluminum structure, allows the Guard-Tite™ system to become a seamless extension of the bright white walls below. (Major Industries offers Guardian 275® panels in a variety of FRP color combinations.) The naturally illuminated walls also help set off the intricate patterned floor which echoes the geometric theme common throughout the project.
What do you get when you combine unique design elements with translucent daylighting? An open, bright, welcoming entrance that puts this educational facility in a class by itself.
Date Completed: Fall 2002
Contractor/Installer: Turner Construction
Architect: DLR Group—Overland Park, Kansas
Product Used: Guardian 275® Guard-Tite™ Translucent Panel System—1” panels
Finish Color: Polar White—50% Kynar LT710151
Other Details: FRP color – White/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.