Daylighting in Schools

Solon High School, Solon, IA

Solon High School is a new school that opened in 2002, with 88,000 sq. ft. It houses a student population of 329 students in grades 9-12. This new construction project features Cool Daylighting principles in all classrooms. Each classroom has two lower view windows and four or five upper clerestory windows. Rooms face either north or south. There are no architectural shading elements, so venetian blinds are used extensively. Electric lighting for all the classrooms is controlled by a single, exterior photosensor mounted on the North side of the building. Electric lighting is step-switched, controlled by an exterior north-facing photosensor.

School/Daylighting Project Profile

Grades: 9-12
School type: Rural
Demo size: Whole school (20 classrooms)
Construction scope: New construction
Fenestration: Punched window openings, North & South facing
Blinds (upper): Venetian blinds
Blinds (lower): Venetian blinds
Lighting: Pendants, indirect
Photosensor location: Outside
Controls type: Switching
Controls results: Maintaining luminances, wen blinds used
Survey scope: 80+ students

Daylighting Satisfaction Survey Results

Pros

Window tinting not noticeable
No major concerns about restricted view
Use of blinds does not impact lighting energy savings

Cons

Insufficient shading on South side, making blinds essential
Upper blinds are inaccessible yet are frequently needed and thus are left closed
Switching somewhat noticeable at first, but became less so as occupants became more accustomed