Case Study: Legacy Magnet School Building

Achieving Design Goals Using Solatube Tubular Daylighting Devices

BACKGROUND
The Tustin Legacy Magnet Academy in Tustin, Calif., is at the forefront of educational curricula with a complete commitment to collective learning and the entrepreneurial spirit. With a passion to uplift students and a focus on Technology, Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (TIDE), the Tustin Legacy Magnet Academy sought to create a one-of-a-kind, 1,600-acre campus to empower both middle school and high school students to think, create, adapt and invent.

Legacy Magnet School Building

CHALLENGE
Flanked by two iconic structures, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Air Station (M.C.A.S.) North and South blimp hangars, the design team was faced with the challenge of creating a campus that would fit in with its historic neighbors, accommodate advancements in education and technology, and create a learning environment that would optimize focus, space and creativity.

The topic of budget was consistently at the discussion table, too. According to the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. schools spend approximately $8 billion a year on utilities, with 26% of that energy consumption dedicated to lighting. This exorbitant amount of energy cost is more than schools spend on textbooks and computers combined. In order to prioritize student development, the design team decided that both energy- and water-management for the campus needed to be at the forefront of the design.

SOLUTION
To properly daylight the campus and meet design goals, the Tustin Legacy Magnet Academy utilized the Solatube Brighten Up Series 290 DS units.

Solatube International worked closely with the design team to create a striking and high-performing solution which entailed placing the 30-foot-long vertical Solatube tubes inside corrugated metal tubes to create a one-of-a-kind effect where the broad spectrum daylight would perfectly illuminate the space below. The beautiful long tubes not only enhance the building design but feature minimal light loss due to Solatube’s advanced optics and superior Spectralight Infinity tubing material. Additionally, Solatube Daylight Dimmers were also fitted to each Solatube system allowing teachers and staff to adjust room daylight levels simply and easily.

The exterior design took great inspiration from the iconic M.C.A.S. hangar bay doors next door. These designs include the use of all wood-framed construction, parabolic roof assembly features, parabolic trellis assembly features and parabolic curtain walls.

RESULTS
This dynamic design resulted in an extraordinary space, delivering distinct personality to the Tustin Legacy Magnet Academy. The concept of energy savings and sustainability are demonstrated to the students throughout the campus—not just in the textbooks—and both students and teachers alike will reap the many benefits provided by natural light.

Featured

  • Epson Receives Seven AV Industry Awards

    Projectors manufacturer Epson recently announced that it received multiple awards across the Higher Ed AV Awards, SCN Stellar Service Awards, and InfoComm 2025, according to a news release. The company was recognized for three projectors from its PowerLite L-Series line, accessories, installation process, and its customer support team.

  • Inglewood Unified School District Breaks Ground on New High School

    The Inglewood Unified School District in Inglewood, Calif., recently broke ground on a new campus for Inglewood High School, according to a news release. The project has a budget of about $240 million, funding coming through bond proceeds from Measure I.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

  • California Middle School Completes Two New Academic Buildings

    Sunnyvale Middle School in Sunnyvale, Calif., recently announced that construction is complete on two new classroom buildings of two stories each, according to a district news release. The new wing will house seventh- and eighth-grade students and is part of a larger campus modernization project.

Digital Edition