Project Report Metea Valley High School

Product catalog summary

Project Overview: The report details the architectural design and construction of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, by DLR Group, with photography by James Steinkamp. The school is designed to accommodate 3,000 students and features innovative learning spaces called 'think tanks' and two open-air courtyards.

Kalwall Specification: The school extensively uses Kalwall translucent curtain wall systems, which include 2-3/4” thermally broken panels with Verti-kal grid core, white FRP exterior and interior, and a bone white #21b finish. Key performance metrics include a U-Value of 0.29, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.23, and Visible Light Transmission of 15%.

Design and Lighting: The design emphasizes natural lighting, with Kalwall systems providing controlled daylight to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. The diffuse light reduces glare and shadows, enhancing visibility and comfort in spaces like the gymnasium and commons area.

Energy Efficiency: The building incorporates energy-saving technologies such as demand control ventilation, energy recovery wheels, and high-efficiency boilers, aiming for 19% greater efficiency than ASHRAE 90.1 standards. The light harvesting system is projected to save over $21,000 annually in operational costs.

Thermal Performance: Kalwall panels offer high insulation, with options for R-20 thermal insulation value. This helps maintain indoor temperature stability, reducing heating and cooling costs.

Maintenance and Aesthetics: Kalwall panels are vandal-resistant and self-cleaning, reducing maintenance costs. At night, the building's exterior glows due to the translucent properties of Kalwall, enhancing the school's aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion: Metea Valley High School is a model of modern educational architecture, combining energy efficiency, innovative design, and aesthetic appeal through the use of advanced Kalwall systems.

Catalog excerpts

Project Report Metea Valley High School-1

Project Report Metea Valley High School Aurora, Illinois Photography: James Steinkamp Photography: James Steinkamp Photography: James Steinkamp Architecture: DLR Group ® Wall + Curtain Wall Systems | Skyroof + Skylight Systems | Canopies + Walkways | Clearspan™ Systems

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Project Report Metea Valley High School-2

KALWALI 8 high performance translucent building systems KALWALL SPECIFICATION: Panel: 2-3/4”, thermally broken Grid core: Verti-kal™ Exterior FRP: white Interior FRP: white System finish: bone white #21b U-Value: .29 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: 0.23 Visible Light Transmission: 15% A translucent, structural sandwich panel that provides: Glare-free, balanced daylighting Superior thermal performance Energy + electricity saving Low maintenance life cycle requirements Safety + security through visual privacy Durability + graffiti / vandal-resistance Hurricane, explosion venting + blast rated options...

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Project Report Metea Valley High School

Project Report Metea Valley High School

Catalog excerpts

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