Lackland Air Force Base has long been the gateway to the Air Force for many young men entering service.  The Base recently started to add new multi use facilities that include dorms, parking, and training space for the men.  And, being a federal project, the air force base is working towards LEED certification with the dormitory.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, provides credits for buildings that are designed to be sustainable within the environment.  One of the ways to gain LEED credits is by using daylighting.  And to help obtain LEED certification, Crystal Structures was contracted to build a 61′ x 34′ translucent skylight at the apex of the atrium where troops will train.

The skylight is metal framed with polycarbonate panels. The metal is aluminum, which is a sustainable product as are the polycarbonate panels. The light allowed through the panels is diffused so light comes in but there is not a lot of glare or heat that comes with glass.  The natural lighting also saves energy, not as much need for electric lights.

The installation was done by Spawglass Contractors, architect on the project was Merrick & Company.

This project is under CSI Code 08 45 13

Aerial photo of dorms

Installing first panels

Looking up, partially glazed

Hauling the panels up the structure

Aligning panels for placement

Glazing in process

Installing panels

Completed glazing from inside out

Concept drawing of completed dorm