The new Austin Independent School District Performing Arts Center (PAC) achieves optimal performance for the 84,000 students it serves annually and the 23% less overall energy use it expends over baseline facilities* – thanks in part to CPI Daylighting’s UniQuad® translucent wall system.
Designed by Pfluger Architects, the 60,000-sq.-ft., $30 million project features 6,840 sq. ft. of Kingspan Light + Air’s UniQuad translucent wall system. The new state-of-the-art venue, located on the grounds of a former airport, earned certification from both LEED and the local Austin Green Building Program.
Together, the UniQuad daylighting system that runs across the top and the vision glass that spans the bottom, make up PAC’s curtainwall. This unique combination allows diffused light to penetrate deep into the space without any glare. High sun angles and heat gain are eliminated, while unobstructed views are maintained inside and out. This solution created the special effect for evening performances that PAC’s owners were looking for.
The use of a translucent panel system was in response to the owner’s desire to create a visual ‘lantern’ effect for nighttime events. – Sean Conner, Project Manager for Pfluger
Featuring a 1,200-seat auditorium, a 250-seat black box theatre, a 4,690 sq. ft. dance studio and a 2,600 sq. ft. multipurpose room, the PAC continues to draw rave reviews for its shows and the ability of its UniQuad translucent wall to effectively daylight the facility. “It still looks brand new,” said Connor. “Everyone’s happy and there’s no complaints about glare.”
Compared to a baseline case study, the PAC achieves 23% less overall energy use.