A large translucent canopy installed on the interior perimeter of Costa Mesa High School meets California’s architectural requirements for Class B fire-rated roof construction and showcases the school’s colors. Approximately 7,200 square feet of translucent panels with CPI Daylighting Inc.’s Quadwall and its removable skin technology were utilized for the project. The dry-glazed Quadwall system is joined by a mechanically interlocking connection, and adds durability and even light distribution via the system’s tight-cell technology.
Kevin Wilkeson, AIA, LEED AP, principal at HMC Architects, says the system lets in daylight, and blocks out heat and glare from the sun. “This allowed the entry atrium shade shelter and secondlevel walks to provide much protection while still being bright and open,” he says. “It also allowed the cross-bracing patterns of the steel supporting structure to cast shadow patterns on the covered walks that adds another layer of depth to the building while maintaining clean, simple lines.”
The upper walkway and entrance were installed below the steel structure to provide a contemporary, seamless design and create a watertight system. In addition to the skylight and fire-rated canopy that was integrated with the school’s roof system, translucent wall panels with vision glass in the classrooms combine to create the appearance of a single system.
The Quadwall system integrates a dualcolored, fire-rated canopy skylight and translucent wall panels. The interior and exterior panels are removable and customizable. The interior panels are Ice White matte and the exterior panels are green, representing Costa Mesa High School’s colors.
“Combining two colors provides more depth and variety and enabled us to select shades that work with the new building, but also ties into the existing campus color scheme,” explains Wilkeson.
Architect: HMC Architects, Ontario, Calif.
Canopy: CPI Daylighting Inc., Lake Forest, Ill., www.cpidaylighting.com
