2009 Sunshine State Modular Classroom Design Competition Entry submitted to the Florida Foundation for Architecture

1. L-pod: A Modular Application for Learning
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.
s
Acoustic
l Light
Natura
it y
Flexibil
Natural
Water Ventilat
ion
y
Indoor Ef ficienc
lity
Air Qua
c tability
Constru
Energy
cy
Ef ficien
2009 Sunshine State Modular Classroom Design Competition
Entry to design competion submited to the Florida Foundation for Architecture
by: Lilian M. Sherrard, AIA, LEED AP

2. Design Applications
Flexibility
Providing adequate space for different class sizes, grades Water Conservation
and teaching techniques is priority number one. Beyond In addition to very low flow fixtures, our design collects the
the essentials, our solution provides additional areas where condensate from the dehumidifier & air conditioning system to be
learning can occur like an outdoor extended learning space used for irrigation. This combined with a roof collection system
and soft seating area within the classroom. In addition, can provide all the water needed for the landscape elements.
the plan layout seeks to reinforce an indoor/outdoor
experience.
Natural Light
Studies show that access to natural light can greatly Natural Ventilation
improve learning in classroom. Our strategy has been to In order to accommodate natural ventilation, operable inserts
provide extensive natural light through overhead glazing. have been included at all windows. Location of the inserts have
Mechanical shades can minimize glare and still provide been offset between north and south windows to allow for cross
all light necessary for work during normal day conditions. ventilation when humidity levels allow.
South facing windows are partially shaded with canopies.
Energy Efficiency
Indoor Air Quality Designed as a high performance building, maximum energy
Good air quality is achieved with a CO2 sensor controlled HVAC efficiency is achieved through high insulation values, a
system, low VOC paints and adhesives, and formaldehyde cool roof and a tight building envelope. A High efficient
free furniture and cabinets. Additionally, the fresh air supply wall mount HVAC system, occupancy sensors, fluorescent
is pre dried through the dehumidifier system. lighting and abundant natural light also contribute to
energy savings. The design also allows for integration of
solar power into the canopies.
Acoustics Constructability
In order to learn teachers and students must be able to hear The L-pod is built using common materials and techniques.
and be heard. This is achieved through a tight envelope The main learning unit is composed of 2 modules that
(with spray foam insulation) and the use of materials with come together on site to make a complete classroom. Final
a high STC rating. The classroom configuration also allows roofing membrane is added on site for a complete seamless
teachers to stand closer to the students. application. Added components such as decks, canopies,
and planters can be added to suit the schools need and
final layout.

3. Plan
1. Area: 1,047 sf. net area
2. Soft Seating
6
6 3. Extended Learning Space
4. Storage
9
1 4’-0” 4’-0” 5. Equipment Rack
6. Bamboo Planter (provides
visual connection with nature)
7. ADA ramp (for stand alone
11 10
5
14 units.
8. Movable storage furniture
9. Water tank collects roof and
4 condensate from HVAC for
planters
1 3
2
4
10. High Efficiency Wall Mount
HVAC Unit.
13
11. Dehumidification system
8 pre-treats intake air for energy
conservation and adequate O2
levels.
12
7 12. Low profile planter (blocks
unwanted noise from exterior
corridor)
13. Cork Flooring
14. Teaching wall (located at
the short end for optimal
voice projection.

4. Teachers have the freedom to personalize their
learning environment. Here are a few options...
Flexibility
1 2
2
2
Configuration D: Grades 9-12 Configuration B: Grades 1-3
Student Teacher Ratio 1:25 Student Teacher Ratio 1:18
1. Technology Rack w/ Voice Enhacement System 2. Storage 3. Rest room 4. Kitchenette
1
2
2
Configuration C: Grades 4-8 Configuration A: Grade K
Student Teacher Ratio 1:22 Student Teacher Ratio 1:18
All configurations provide a visual connection with the
outside.

5. 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)
3 5. Fluorescent direct / indirect fixture
17 4 6. Occupancy & Daylight Sensor
2 7. Planter
1 8. Cork Flooring
9 9. Acoustical Canopy
10 10. Acoustical Ceiling
14 16 13
6
11. Bamboo planter
5 12. ADA Ramp
13. Teaching wall (tack boards, marker
board, projection screen)
7
14. Projector
15. Movable storage furniture
15 8 11
12 16. CO2 Sensor
17. Linear air diffuser
18. Operable windows with Low E
laminated glass (STC 35)

6. Sleek Envelope
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.
South Wes
t View
st View
South Ea
North West View

7. Assembly
1. Foundation
2. South facing pod
3. North facing pod
4. Extended learning deck
7 5. Bamboo Planter
6. ADA Ramp
5
14’-0”
44’-0”
3
14’-0”
9 2 7. Water tank
13’-0”
8. South planter
9. Canopy with solar power
plastic
4
1
8
6

8. Day Light Analysis
66%-100% > 100%
Natural Light
Workplane Area 6% 56% 35% 4%
24 22 41 23 9 7 9 23 43 23
LEED for Schools v1-Single Point in Time-Daylighting Report
20 22 31 25 14 15 15 22 29 20 Space Setup Summary Design Performance
Width, [ft] 16 24 35 27 21 21 18 26 35 27 Space Properties Element Description Workplane Annual Daylight Illuminance
Isometric View
24 33 29 24 27 24 28 29 24 Dimensions Apertures Overhangs Zone Average Maximum Avg:Max
12 1 88 fc 580 fc 7
20 29 28 29 31 29 26 26 19 N Width 28 ft South Wall South Wall
8
Length 40 ft 4 6.5ft x 4ft 70% 1 8ft 6ft
Workplane Illuminance (fc) - Sunny Equinox at Noon
W E Height 12 ft North Wall
24
4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 Wp Height 2.5 ft 2 6.5ft x 4ft 70%
Workplane Points (ft) - S to N
Length, [ft] S Wall Thickness 9 in Ceiling
20
Skylight Depth 1.5 ft 1 3ft x 3ft 88%
Workplane Illuminance, [fc]
1 3ft x 3ft 7% 16
Surface Reflectance 4 3ft x 3ft 88%
Floor 20 % 12
Walls 60 %
50
Ceiling 80 % 8
Ground 15 %
40 Mullions 50 % 4
Lightshelves 80 % 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
30 Overhangs 75 % Workplane Points (ft) - W to E
20 Prerequiste Checks
Lightshelves Workplane Height (30in AFF) 0-5 5-10 10-15
10 Pass Area Achieving 25 fc:
Grid Spacing (4ft x 4ft max) 15-20 20-25 25-30
0 Pass
94 %
Direct Sun Control 30-35 35-40
Pass
Conditions: Overcast on an overcast sky. Time frame:
Natural light level day
Time frame: Winter winter @ 4:00pm
@ 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.

9. Site Arrangement
30’
30’
1. Walkways and access ramps are customized for the specific school
2. Extended learning deck can be easily interconnected with walkways by using
standard columns and canopy structures.
3. Solar plastic over walkways canvas roofing offers a net zero campus solution.

10. Lessons
Originally introduced as a temporary solution to space deficiencies, classroom portables have
t become a permanent fixture at the majority of public schools in Florida and currently number over 16,000!
vemen
Achie
Aca demic rth/ Space S
cience Some even advocate them as the permanent solution for overcrowded schools. Yet the current designs
M/J Ea udy skil
ls.
Standa
rd:
elop eff
ective st
period
barely meet educational needs and do not provide a healthy and sustainable learning space for our
1.4 Dev 1 class
Compe
tency: stainab
ility Length
:
children.
ding Su
Topic: Buil
Lesson
6-8
Grade
Level: The L-pod addresses all these issues to provide a highly efficient, healthy and sustainable learning
space. The equations are simple:
ls:
Materia •Increased natural light + indoor-outdoor connection = better test scores
encil.
aper. P
Blank sh
eet of p •Correct volume ratio + acoustical surfaces + quiet envelope = better communication
in their
own •Low VOC finishes + adequate fresh air = a healthier environment
explain
m and •Solar power + natural light + occupancy & daylight sensors + high efficient HVAC
class roo
on: in their
Evalua
ti atures
fy the su
stainab
le fe system = minimal energy use
ts wil l identi enefit them.
Studen ow it could b
h
•Correct area ratio + movable furniture + bonus spaces = maximum flexibility
words
fore
been be
classro
om the
y have
ferent fo
r other With its abundant natural light, connection to the outdoors, maximum ventilation of fresh
ure revious ce is dif
Proced think about p this spa air and minimal energy use, the L-pod is the high tech tool for learning. Its flexible approach
dents to ate how
Ask stu d evalu efit to
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y think just a “portable” but a powerful application of Design to the basic building block of educational
m
ave the hy.
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