Silverthorne Elementary School

At Issue

Silverthorne Elementary School was designed to be an energy-forward building. The school takes advantage of Colorado's high sun-days count through the use of multiple skylights throughout the interior spaces, as well as windows along the perimeter. Lighting works in conjunction with the ample daylight by photo sensors within the classrooms and hallways. When daylight is sufficient one or two of the indirect lighting units in the classrooms turn off, and in the hallways, the indirect lighting is reduced to half the output. Occupancy sensors installed in the classrooms turn the lights off when the room in not in use, for additional energy savings.

BGCE's Work

Lighting design strategies included:

• Linear Indirect fixtures with T5HO lamps. By using T5HO fewer fixtures were required for the same amount of light, thus providing cost savings for the owner.


• Decorative fixtures in the entry establish the image of the school.


• Stage lighting uses a two-circuit track with dimming control and preset scenes to provide flexibility for each production. BGCE worked hand-in-hand with the school staff to coordinate the locations for the lighting controls so the stage lighting could be controlled from the back of the gym, as well as at the stage.

Client Benefits