Natural Daylighting
The SAGE Classroom uses large, operable view windows and a continuous row of clerestory windows with mini-blinds to invite and manage variable lighting, and skylights to ensure consistent ambient light. Combined with a raised angled ceiling to bring natural light deeper into the classroom and increase perceived room size, these factors are essential to healthy cognitive functioning. Automatic dimming luminaries and manual mini-blinds ensure consistent lighting and energy savings.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is further promoted by the addition of operable windows, low velocity fans and a solar-powered roof-mounted ventilator. This Energy Recovery Ventilator exchanges 3x more fresh air than a standard HVAC system.
Proper Solar Orientation
Proper orientation of the classroom ensures maximum natural daylighting without unwanted solar heat gain. By including the option for door placement on two sides of the building, both proper orientation and preferred entry access can be accommodated. Roof overhangs further prevent unwanted solar heat gain while still admitting natural daylight.
Rethinking HVAC Systems
The SAGE classroom reduces the energy normally wasted in over-conditioning the air and increases ventilation - a key component of healthy air quality and leading to better student performance. With a tight building envelope and Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), the SAGE classroom uses occupants’ body heat as a primary heat source. This heat is captured with Bio PCM, a Phase Change Material in the walls that acts as thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperature. These materials and reductions in mechanical load further increase acoustic performance.
Increased Portability
A steel floor system makes a sturdier structure for multiple relocations and reduces the high cost of site infrastructure that discourages reuse. This allows for multiple uses, creating a higher quality and more sustainable building in the long term.
Reduced Site Infrastructure
A steel floor system allows the classroom to be placed near the ground, eliminating long ramps seen on many classrooms. The use of helical pier foundations provides a reusable foundation structure that creates short and long term savings, with minimal impact on the site.