Show Me the Light - Work in Progress

The beauty of the design business is the challenge to create whatever it is our clients desire. Our latest client called on DM+A to open up his living room and flood it with light, but still provide privacy. After walking the clients penthouse unit in San Francisco, we knew the solution to add the largest possible skylight was the way to go.

8' x 12' is the maximum size allowed for the Lutron Tensioned Roller Shade system, which will provide a flooding of light and the tensioned shades will provide for privacy. This system will keep the shades taut with the least possible amount of sag.

Rollamatic Roofs, manufacturer of retractable roofs and operable skylights, will install the skylight to provide the room with light and ventilation. They are also providing the double pane low-e glass which conforms to Title 24 requirements for energy efficiency. Big thanks to them for the referral.

Now, here is the piece de resistance, Luminii's Kilo Recessed System. We will recess this LED light system along the perimeter of the skylight well to provide a warm halo of dimmable light.

Here's how Netflix installed the light system in their San Jose office.

Stay tuned for an updated post once the project is complete.

Give us a call if you would like more information on passing the stringent codes and Title 24 Energy Efficiency standards required for a project like this.

Understanding Title 24

One aspect of every project is complying with the California Building Standards Code, often known simply as Title 24.

Verifying compliance is a complicated process, and among the most difficult parts of that process is meeting the energy standards. Intensifying this difficulty is the fact that the state has recently made the energy code much more rigorous, and intends to make it tougher still.

When trying to comply with the code, designers have two tracks we can follow: prescriptive and performance. The prescriptive route is a long but straightforward list of minimum requirements for just about every aspect of the building, from wall and window insulation to air conditioning efficiency. Following the prescriptive path is relatively simple, but of course very limiting. The specificity of the code can make it difficult for clients and designers to achieve the look we are after, as some desired products might not be up to par with energy standards.

For this reason, most opt for the performance approach, which allows a slackening of energy savings in certain places, as long as we can prove that we’ve made up the difference someplace else. This gives our clients the flexibility to pick and choose the areas in which they want to indulge in a certain aesthetic, save money, or pursue efficiency.

DM+A works closely with clients when deciding which method to use to meet Title 24’s stringent requirements, weighing such issues as cost, style, simplicity and efficiency of process, and energy efficiency. We understand and can help clarify trade offs between short term savings, material quality, and long term energy benefits.

Remodeling? Be Prepared for New Lighting Requirements in 2014

I had the opportunity to attend a California Title 24: Building Energy Efficiency Standards Seminar at Acuity Brands Center for Light & Space in Berkeley.  This seminar focused on the upcoming changes to the CA Title 24 lighting requirements which will take effect in 2014.  Essentially the standards will be adding layers of control to the lighting systems.  So that when a space is unoccupied, energy isn’t being wasted.  This isn’t just the use of adding occupancy sensors.  It is also adding multi-level lighting controls so lights have different settings and light levels for different activities.  To get more specialized you could do automatic day lighting controls or demand response controls.  This allows lighting to be adjusted during the peak hours of a day or having a central hub where you can control light settings.  There is a lot of information and a professional would be able to help navigate you through the requirements.  This may seem like a nuisance which costs more money, but when you see the figures, in the long run you end up saving money.

For more information and specifics on the changes, review What's New in the 2013 Code from California Lighting Technology Center.