Sometimes the Best Design Solutions Come in Small Packages

By Amber Duco, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Small Project, Big Challenges

Large, glitzy projects seem to get all the attention, but some of our smallest projects happen to be the most interesting. When budget, schedule and scope are project drivers, creative design solutions are integral to the project’s success.   

Our client, Julie Billiart Schools, engaged our team to design a build-out for classroom space in an existing basement with zero access to daylight at their Westlake Campus. 

Initially, the design solution was to cut window wells to provide the classrooms with some daylight. This design plan came with a few challenges, including:

• A very short construction schedule that would not have allowed the project to be completed by the start of the school year
• The water table in the area is high, which meant a very high probability the Owner would have water issues in the future
• The basement is deep below grade so there were doubts about how much light would actually filter down into the wells
• The additional expense to add the window wells would have put the project way over budget

Design Meets Solution with a Little Help from Our Friends

While adding windows to the space didn’t seem like a viable option, leaving the space without natural lighting was also not an option.

The solution came from a recommendation by our healthcare group who attended a lunch and learn presentation by lighting product representatives at Jack Duffy & Associates. The design solution, the LIGHTGLASS fixture, is a color tunable and dimmable “window” element that simulates daylight in windowless environments.

For our project, the LIGHTGLASS is programmed to start as a warm glow in the morning, turn to bright blue during the day, and turn back to a warmer tone in the afternoon/evening, which follows the typical light output of the sun. The element automatically turns on before school starts and off after school is over. The teachers also have an override function if they need to dim the lights down for class activities.

Creative Design Solutions Make for Successful Projects

The cost-effective lighting fixtures provide natural light to the classrooms without having to punch holes in the basement, keeping the project on schedule and within budget. Regardless of project size, our focus has always been to provide our clients with the best possible design solutions. Our client presented us with a challenge, but with a little creativity we were able to provide a design solution that met and exceeded their expectations.