Nueva High School

San Mateo, CA

The Nueva School's San Mateo campus stands as a testament to innovative design and educational philosophy, blending sustainable architecture with an immersive learning environment.

The campus, envisioned as a "living laboratory" for inspiration, has placed a high emphasis on energy efficiency. As a result, they received the prestigious LEED Gold certification, with a remarkable decrease in energy use by as much as 65%. Central to its architectural vision are custom sunshade products, meticulously engineered to balance thermal reduction with natural lighting. These sun control solutions, including origami-shaped sunscreens and large sun shades, not only enhance energy efficiency but also stimulate the minds of students with captivating aesthetics. Overcoming challenges of size and installation complexity, our innovative approach not only contributed to LEED certification but also facilitated a dynamic learning environment that embodies Nueva's commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Project Highlights:

  • LEED Gold Certification: The Nueva School's San Mateo campus achieved LEED Gold certification, showcasing its commitment to sustainable design and energy efficiency.

  • Innovative Sun Control Solutions: Custom-designed sunshade products were implemented to reduce heat transfer while allowing natural light into the building, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.

  • Complex Installation Process: Overcoming the challenge of installing large sun shades, engineers developed with our help, a plan to build and deliver the shades in sections, reducing field labor by more than 50%.

  • Non-Standard Attachment Method: To ensure structural integrity against point load and wind, a unique attachment method using brackets and steel plates was devised, providing robust support for the sun shades.

ARCHITECT: LMS Architects, San Francisco

PRODUCTS: Windows and Sunshades

PROJECT TEAM: Devcon and Silicon Valley Glass