L-pod: A Modular Application for Learning

FlexibilityNatural Light Acoustics

Indoor

Air Quality

Water

Efficiency

Natural

Ventilation

For years, educators, researchers, architects and the public have understood the power of a well designed school to improve educational performance. The research is abundant and the case studies plenty yet in most cases kids in Florida still do no benefit from all we know. The reasons are numerous and include funding shortages, overcrowded schools and narrow minded decision makers. The L-pod (learning pod) is a modular classroom, built with common construction tech-niques but it also incorporates all the good design applications we know can help students and teachers alike. It also is a highly efficient unit that can minimize its impact on the environment and be a learning tool for the students.

Energy

Efficiency

Constructability

2009 Sunshine State Modular Classroom Design CompetitionEntry to design competion submited to the Florida Foundation for Architecture

by: Lilian M. Sherrard, AIA, LEED AP

Design Applications

FlexibilityProviding adequate space for different class sizes, grades and teaching techniques is priority number one. Beyond the essentials, our solution provides additional areas where learning can occur like an outdoor extended learning space and soft seating area within the classroom. In addition, the plan layout seeks to reinforce an indoor/outdoor experience.

Water ConservationIn addition to very low flow fixtures, our design collects the condensate from the dehumidifier & air conditioning system to be used for irrigation. This combined with a roof collection system can provide all the water needed for the landscape elements.

Natural LightStudies show that access to natural light can greatly improve learning in classroom. Our strategy has been to provide extensive natural light through overhead glazing. Mechanical shades can minimize glare and still provide all light necessary for work during normal day conditions. South facing windows are partially shaded with canopies.

Natural VentilationIn order to accommodate natural ventilation, operable inserts have been included at all windows. Location of the inserts have been offset between north and south windows to allow for cross ventilation when humidity levels allow.

Indoor Air QualityGood air quality is achieved with a CO2 sensor controlled HVAC system, low VOC paints and adhesives, and formaldehyde free furniture and cabinets. Additionally, the fresh air supply is pre dried through the dehumidifier system.

AcousticsIn order to learn teachers and students must be able to hear and be heard. This is achieved through a tight envelope (with spray foam insulation) and the use of materials with a high STC rating. The classroom configuration also allows teachers to stand closer to the students.

Energy EfficiencyDesigned as a high performance building, maximum energy efficiency is achieved through high insulation values, a cool roof and a tight building envelope. A High efficient wall mount HVAC system, occupancy sensors, fluorescent lighting and abundant natural light also contribute to energy savings. The design also allows for integration of solar power into the canopies.

ConstructabilityThe L-pod is built using common materials and techniques. The main learning unit is composed of 2 modules that come together on site to make a complete classroom. Final roofing membrane is added on site for a complete seamless application. Added components such as decks, canopies, and planters can be added to suit the schools need and final layout.

Plan

1. Area: 1,047 sf. net area2. Soft Seating3. Extended Learning Space4. Storage 5. Equipment Rack6. Bamboo Planter (provides visual connection with nature)7. ADA ramp (for stand alone units.8. Movable storage furniture

9. Water tank collects roof and condensate from HVAC for planters

10. High Efficiency Wall Mount HVAC Unit.

11. Dehumidification system pre-treats intake air for energy conservation and adequate O2 levels.

12. Low profile planter (blocks unwanted noise from exterior corridor)13. Cork Flooring14. Teaching wall (located at the short end for optimal voice projection.

1 4’-0” 4’-0”

312

9

4

5

66

7

1011

13

12

14

4

8

Flexibility

Configuration B: Grades 1-3Student Teacher Ratio 1:18

Configuration A: Grade KStudent Teacher Ratio 1:18

Configuration D: Grades 9-12Student Teacher Ratio 1:25

Configuration C: Grades 4-8Student Teacher Ratio 1:22

Teachers have the freedom to personalize their learning environment. Here are a few options...

1. Technology Rack w/ Voice Enhacement System 2. Storage 3. Rest room 4. Kitchenette

2

2

1

All configurations provide a visual connection with the outside.

2

2

2

1

Section

1. Canopy with Solar Power 2. Light Monitors

3. Wall Type: Metal stud with exterior sheathing, water barrier, furring strips, gypsum panel and spray polyicynene insulation with interior gypsum board (R-Value 24; STC 38)4. Roofing: Cool Roof over exterior sheathing over metal framing with spray polyicynene insulation with interior gypsum board (R-Value 24; STC 37)5. Fluorescent direct / indirect fixture 6. Occupancy & Daylight Sensor

7. Planter8. Cork Flooring9. Acoustical Canopy10. Acoustical Ceiling

11. Bamboo planter 12. ADA Ramp 13. Teaching wall (tack boards, marker board, projection screen)14. Projector15. Movable storage furniture

16. CO2 Sensor17. Linear air diffuser

18. Operable windows with Low E laminated glass (STC 35)

1

3

2

4

910

6

8

5

12

14 13

15

17

16

11

7

Sleek Envelope

South West View

South East View

North West View

A smooth fiber cement panel is the finish touch for a high performance envelope that also speaks of elegance through simplicity. Exterior metal panels are used over entries and windows to create rhythm.

14’-0”13

’-0”

14’-0”44’-0”

Assembly

Natural Ventilation

1. Foundation 2. South facing pod3. North facing pod

4. Extended learning deck5. Bamboo Planter6. ADA Ramp

7. Water tank

8. South planter

9. Canopy with solar power plastic

9

1

2

3

6

4

8

7

5

Workplane Area

24 22 41 23 9 7 9 23 43 23

20 22 31 25 14 15 15 22 29 20

Width, [ft] 16 24 35 27 21 21 18 26 35 27

12 24 33 29 24 27 24 28 29 24

8 20 29 28 29 31 29 26 26 19

6323824202612184]tf[,htgneL

> 100%4%

66%-100%6% 56% 35%

0

10

20

30

40

50

Workplane Illuminance, [fc]

Natural light level on an overcast sky. Time frame: winter @ 4:00pm

LEED for Schools v1-Single Point in Time-Daylighting ReportSpace Setup Summary

noitpircseDtnemelEseitreporPecapSDimensions Apertures OverhangsWidth 28 ft South Wall South WallLength 40 ft 4 6.5ft x 4ft 70% 1 8ft 6ftHeight 12 ft North WallWp Height 2.5 ft 2 6.5ft x 4ft 70%Wall Thickness 9 in CeilingSkylight Depth 1.5 ft 1 3ft x 3ft 88%

1 3ft x 3ft 7%Surface Reflectance 4 3ft x 3ft 88%Floor 20 %Walls 60 %Ceiling 80 %Ground 15 %Mullions 50 %Lightshelves 80 %Overhangs 75 %

Design PerformanceWorkplane Annual Daylight IlluminanceZone Average Maximum Avg:Max1 88 fc 580 fc 7

4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 364

8

12

16

20

24

Workplane Points (ft) - W to E

Wor

kpla

neP

oint

s(ft

)-S

toN

Workplane Illuminance (fc) - Sunny Equinox at NoonW

N

S

E

Isometric View

Area Achieving 25 fc:94 %

0-5 5-10 10-15

15-20 20-25 25-30

30-35 35-40

Lightshelves Workplane Height (30in AFF)Pass

Grid Spacing (4ft x 4ft max)Pass

Direct Sun ControlPass

Prerequiste Checks

Natural LightDay Light Analysis

Conditions: Overcast dayTime frame: Winter @ 4:00pm

Overhead monitors provide daylighting

during normal daytime operation, reducing the energy use. Daylight sensors ensure optimal light is provided at all times and blackout shades allow for occupant control during A/V presentations.

Site Arrangement

1. Walkways and access ramps are customized for the specific school

30’30

’

3. Solar plastic over walkways canvas roofing offers a net zero campus solution.

2. Extended learning deck can be easily interconnected with walkways by using standard columns and canopy structures.

Academic Ach

ievement

Standard:M/J Earth/Space Science

Competency: 1.4 Develop effective study skills.

Lesson Topic: Building Sustainability

Grade Level: 6-8

Length: 1 class period

Materials:

Blank sheet of paper. Pencil.

Evaluation:

Students will identify the sustainable features in their class room and explain in their own

words how it could benefit them.

Procedure

1. Ask students to think about previous classroom they have been before

2. Ask each student to look around and evaluate how this space is different for other

classrooms in campus.

3. Afterwards, have them write how they think those differences might be of benefit to

them.

4. If differences are not of benefit to them ask them to write why.

5. A class discussion can follow for students to share their discoveries.

Lessons Originally introduced as a temporary solution to space deficiencies, classroom portables have become a permanent fixture at the majority of public schools in Florida and currently number over 16,000! Some even advocate them as the permanent solution for overcrowded schools. Yet the current designs barely meet educational needs and do not provide a healthy and sustainable learning space for our children.

The L-pod addresses all these issues to provide a highly efficient, healthy and sustainable learning space. The equations are simple: •Increased natural light + indoor-outdoor connection = better test scores •Correct volume ratio + acoustical surfaces + quiet envelope = better communication •Low VOC finishes + adequate fresh air = a healthier environment •Solar power + natural light + occupancy & daylight sensors + high efficient HVAC system = minimal energy use •Correct area ratio + movable furniture + bonus spaces = maximum flexibility

With its abundant natural light, connection to the outdoors, maximum ventilation of fresh air and minimal energy use, the L-pod is the high tech tool for learning. Its flexible approach provides all that students and teachers need to create the perfect classroom. The L-pod is not just a “portable” but a powerful application of Design to the basic building block of educational space – the classroom - that also serves as a learning tool for sustainable design.