Items Tagged with 'daylighting'

LK Architecture announced the appointment of Craig A. Rhodes as its new Design Director.

An overview of instances when model building codes require exterior curtain walls to provide a fire rating and how architects and specifiers can use narrow-profile, fire-rated glazing assemblies to meet these requirements without compromising a cohesive design aesthetic.

Introducing natural daylight into the central recreation area, which also serves as a storm shelter, posed a significant challenge. Traditional windows and skylights were not feasible due to the need to comply with strict ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 storm shelter codes while ensuring structural integrity and occupant safety. 

The tower, designed by HDR and CDFL Architects, gracefully combines metal panels, brick, and glazing to present an engaging, modern facade that successfully blends with the existing campus.

The AEC sectors face a pivotal opportunity: retrofitting existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions. Recent advancements in technology have made daylighting as a dominant interior daytime light source a priority in commercial building design, especially in retrofits.

Indoor air quality, operable windows, a daylighting strategy, a verdant landscape, and views of the surrounding environment are additional aspects that enhance occupant wellbeing.

Integrating daylighting devices reduced energy consumption and maximized natural light. By replacing the traditional clerestories used in the first two regional libraries with Solatube TDDs and acrylic panels, a visually striking skylight effect was achieved, enhancing both aesthetics and sustainability.

Embracing biophilic design principles for the LEED Gold-certified Marion Fire Station in Marion, Iowa, daylighting and views were a major aspect of OPN Architects’ vision for the project. 

As part of supporting a healthy community, the project prioritized sustainable design, green building materials and energy efficient systems, to earn LEED® Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.