Client: Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, Ariz.

Challenge: Providing for daylight to penetrate deep within each floor of a multi-floor building.

Results: Ability to direct daylight into the centers or the second and third floors of the building. LEED Platinum achieved.

Product: SolaMaster Series 330 and 750 DS-C

Solatube Distributor/Installer: Norcon Industries Inc.

Architect: Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio

BACKGROUND: The 74,843-square-foot Student Pavilion is situated at the nexus of student activity on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University (ASU). The building, which was designed to be a Net Zero Energy building, delivers green qualities, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and zero waste, to showcase the university’s goals for Climate Net Neutrality and sustainable building systems.

CHALLENGE: One of the most significant challenges encountered with this project was how to deliver natural daylight to the collaboration corridors on both the second and third floors of the building. With the third-level corridor positioned directly above the second level, traditional skylights were not a viable option. The design team needed a flexible approach that could travel approximately 35 feet in distance and includes three 90-degree bends.

SOLUTION: In order to properly daylight the 21,000-square-foot space on each level and meet design goals, Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio utilized the Solatube SolaMaster Series 330 and 750 DS-C units.

To ensure a consistent amount of daylight, the design team used Solatube’s proprietary design calculator to determine the number of units needed on each level and the amount of light that the Solatube Daylighting Systems would bring into the spaces.

Thermal Insulated Panels were also added to limit the amount of heat transfer into the building from the roof, and extension turrets were used to raise the outer domes and limit the amount of shade cast upon the devices.

RESULTS: The building has achieved LEED Platinum certification, and natural daylight fills the area over communal work and gathering tables, improving the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff.

“With Solatube, we were afforded the opportunity to deliver natural daylighting into deep zones of the building, allowing spaces to have an enhanced quality of light, which has directly impacted occupant comfort,” said Philip Weddle, FAIA.

“The Solatube Tubular Daylighting Systems provide a level of ambiance to everyone working in the building, and the natural light provided by the system makes working, studying and doing homework feel better, said Tucker Brown, Arizona State University student.”