The following is a description of our classroom design.
Our design criteria were to create a teaching environment that enhances and embraces learning within the feel of open space. We designed an open vaulted ceiling with clerestory windows and windows on three sides of the building. This provided “daylighting” and “view windows” with the feel of open space. The windows are both fixed and casement type with Low e dual glazing. We designed cabinetry on the teaching wall with shelving and sliding marker boards that incorporate a sink cabinet, IDF cabinet, and an electrical cabinet. As an alternate we have designed a “Smart Board” within the cabinetry. The building envelope is fully insulated, R-19 walls and R-30/38 roof. The interior finishes utilize all low VOC materials, and all have a wealth of post-consumer recycled materials. We have reduced the environment for mold and other pathogens to grow by design. The roof system uses structural plywood that is entirely covered with Grace Ice and Water Shield to prevent any moisture in filtration and the underlayment sheathing of the exterior walls uses Dens glass Sheathing Panels (fiberglass mat facing) with Grace Ice and Water Shield at all horizontal and vertical panel joints and cut outs again to prevent moisture infiltration. The finish roofing material is a prefinished metal standing seam roof decking “cool roof” and the exterior siding is a cement fiberboard with a hidden fastening system. The structural framing system incorporates the design for Photovoltaic (PV) panels for both horizontal and vertical loading. The metal standing seam roof has been tested for the clamp connection of the PV panels to the deck. With the use of the PV panels we can achieve a “zero foot print” for our classrooms.
The lighting systems for the classroom interior are a combination pendant and wall fixtures providing direct/indirect lighting and the exterior lighting is down lights to prevent light flooding the areas. All interior fixtures have dimming ballasts which control the amount of light output as natural light intensifies. We are presently incorporating LED lighting for all our light systems. The lighting is controlled with Crestron controls providing the following:
1. Shade controls to open-close shades
2. A/V interface to automatically set the intensity of the lights when the A/V system is in use.
3. EMS interface that allows the lighting controller to inform the HVAC EMS system when the room is occupied or vacant.
4. Network interface that allows the lighting in the room to be controlled or set from a remote (District Office) location.
5. Daylight Harvesting and Occupancy sensing
6. Direct touchscreen control
The exterior lights are controlled with an astronomical clock within the Crestron controls and can also be connected to an exterior photocell. The Crestron controls are BACnet ready to connect to a school districts EMS system.
The mechanical system is a state-of-the-art Thermal Displacement Ventilation system. One repeatedly cited benefit of displacement ventilation is the superior indoor air quality achieved with exhausting contaminated air out of the room. Unlike mixing ventilation, displacement ventilation provides clean air to a room and removes contaminants created by heat sources in a room, resulting in an improved air quality. The filtration system utilizes a minimum MERV 11 filter. Other benefits are the energy efficiency of the units cited to be as much as 30% less than Title 24 requirements and the vastly reduced indoor sound levels that exceeds HPI criteria. The unit is roof mounted within a roof well and is architecturally screened from view. The unit itself has its own controls providing a CO2 sensor, Humidity sensor, thermostat, and a thermal sensor within the air system and is BACnet ready for connection to a district EMS system. The unit includes an economizer connected to a temperature sensor to utilize outside air when the outside temperature allows.
