The newly constructed Paducah Middle School building in Paducah, Ky., utilizes revolutionary products and design techniques to achieve a green environment for the upcoming 610 students expected to attend in the fall. A unique light-diffusing window is showcased in the new building. The all-glass, highly insulating window uses revolutionary technology called aerogel to create a soft glow and eliminate sunlight glare while also curbing energy costs. This technology developed by U.S. Daylighting, called AeroGlass, will be effective in controlling heating and cooling costs for the Paducah Public School System.
RBS Design Group, an architectural firm in Owensboro, Kentucky, assisted in crafting the school system’s vision into a green reality. As one of the principal architects on the project, Craig Thomas was focused on two issues: student performance and building efficiency. “Daylighting is important in regards to increasing average daily attendance and test scores for students. The aerogel filled windows provide a higher R-value, making our buildings more efficient.” Thomas continued, “We also utilized insulated concrete forms specifically for strength, lack of sound transmission and high thermal value.”