Porirua College, situated in Wellington, is a medium to large sized secondary school.  Opus Architecture was commissioned to work on a ‘staged’ project comprising of building and renovation. The initial stage of the project was to design and build four new learning houses, and the final stage was renovation of the administration block.

Objective:

The objective of the refurbishment was to bring the college up to new learning environment standards and styles. This was to be done within tight budget constraints. The college wanted the main source of lighting to be natural daylight with artificial lighting to supplement this when required. The corridors of the administration block had no natural light other than at the ends with external glazed doors, so it was important to incorporate natural light in this area. The food technology classrooms also suffered from a lack of natural light and needed ventilation.

The objective was to achieve even balanced natural lighting throughout the renovated areas with minimal heat gain or loss, glare or maintenance.

Solution:

Solatube Daylighting Systems were chosen for their even daylight distribution, thermal efficiency and low maintenance properties. Overhead glazing was investigated, but due to tight budget constraints, and other considerations Solatube Daylighting Systems were a favourable alternative. 13 x Solatube 290 Daylighting Systems were used in the corridors of the administration block. The Solatube Daylighting Systems provided illumination to the corridors as there was very little natural light from traditional glazing available. A Solatube 290 Daylighting System was installed in each of the 3 offices in the block as well.

The Food Technology classroom was lit by 6 Solatube 290 Daylighting Systems and the cooking stations were ventilated by 6 Range Hood Roof kits.

Testimonial:

The installation of the Solatube Daylighting Systems have allowed us to reduce our electricity consumption due to reduced reliance on electric lighting.  We are well aware of the benefits natural lighting brings to our staff and students health, well-being and performance. The students are amazed that we are lighting these areas solely with daylight. 

-  Susanne Jungersen, Principal, Porirua College

Solatube Daylighting Systems were a cost effective solution to provide excellent natural lighting to the renovated areas of the college.  Daylight is now a must, not an extra, when designing education facilities and can have a profound effect on students and staff. 

-  Bruce Curtain, Principal Architect, Opus Architecture