College enhances environment of Student Service Center with tubular daylighting devices

Dark and gloomy, the student center at Waukesha County Technical College was unpopular with students. The school sought to renovate the existing space, transforming it into a bright and cheerful space where students would want to eat, study and socialize.

By Solatube | September 4, 2015

The Waukesha Campus in Waukesha, WI, is a satellite educational facility of Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). The sister campus is home to the Service Building, which houses the student center.

CHALLENGE

Dubbed “the cave” for its dark and gloomy atmosphere, the student center was unpopular with students. With a budget of $600,000, the school sought to renovate the existing space, transforming it from a dark and dreary environment to a bright and cheerful one where students would want to eat, study and socialize.

SOLUTION

According to Matthew Kerr, IIDA, ASAI, Senior Associate and Interior Designer at Zimmerman Architectural Studios, the renovation’s main objectives were filling the space with natural light and creating auditory separation without disrupting the visual “openness” of the existing space.

Daylighting the space required 12 Solatube SolaMaster 750 DS Core Units, which were installed by local Solatube Certified Commercial Distributor Brighter Concepts. The units integrated with LED lighting for night use and maximum lighting energy efficiency. Custom square-shaped fabric lanterns added a decorative element at the ceiling level.

“The cave-like environment of the student gathering area was very oppressive. It was truly incredible to see the transformation of the space once the Solatube units were installed.” — Keith Johnson, Owner, Brighter Concepts .

RESULTS

Increased Space Use

With the addition of Solatube Daylighting Systems, the former “cave” went from being an underused, dark space to a vibrant and active hub for students, according to Brooks Kyler-Eberlein, WCTC Interior Design instructor.

Reduced Energy Costs

Using natural light by day and LED light by night, the school established a long-term solution to reduce its lighting energy costs.

“It’s amazing what a building remodel that factors in natural light can do for one’s psyche! The Solatube units made this possible.” — Brooks Kyler-Eberlein, WCTC Interior Design Instructor

To learn how Solatube Daylighting Systems can elevate your next project, get in touch with a Solatube Certified Commercial Distributor, visit the website or call 1-888-SOLATUBE.

PROJECT DETAILS

CLIENT: Waukesha County Technical College
CHALLENGE: Transform dark, cave-like student center into a bright, cheerful space
RESULTS: Increased student center use, reduced energy costs
PRODUCT: 12 Solatube^®SolaMaster 750 DS Units
SOLATUBE DISTRIBUTOR/INSTALLER: Brighter Concepts
ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER: Zimmerman Architectural Studios
ENGINEERING CONSULTANT: Ring & DuChateau
LANTERN FABRICATION: Ascend Design