Daylighting Puts Some Light on the Subject
The Rudolf Steiner School in Haarlem, The Netherlands
At the Rudolf Steiner School in Haarlem, The Netherlands, students are encouraged to experience the full spectrum of life, from the physical to the spiritual. That same philosophy was incorporated in the recent refurbishment and expansion of the 1950s-era school. Working with architects from Archivolt Architekten B.V., school officials wanted to create a more open design that allowed increased natural light and thus aid learning.
To achieve this objective, the architects expanded the existing structure on two sides and installed daylighting systems using Nanogel® aerogel-filled insulation within 16mm Lexan Thermoclear polycarbonate panels. The end result was spectacular. The school's renovation created more spacious classrooms that were now fill with soft, natural light emanating from the rooftop and glazing panels, all without the typical intense solar heat gain. And, on bad weather days, the sound of rainfall on the rooftop is both muted and comforting.
Said a teacher at the school, “The atmosphere in the classrooms is more conducive for inner-reflection and other learning activities. The light diffusion, noise reduction, and increased comfort greatly contributes to a livable learning space we all can appreciate.”
Technical Information:
Product: 16 mm Lexan Thermoclear with Nanogel. Product by BIK, Netherlands
Specs:
- U-value: 1.31 (W/m˛.K)
- Light transmission: 64 (%)
- Solar transmission: 60 (%)
- Sound transmission: 21 (dB)
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