Jewish learning center prominently features custom skylights

finished by Linetec to withstand desert conditions

Wausau, Wis. (October 2011) – Founded with the generous support of Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, Nevada’s only Jewish educational center offering classes from 18 months through 12th grade has thrived. The school opened in 2006 with 145 students. A 146,000-square-foot addition designed by DLR Group allowed the facility to accommodate an enrollment of 500. Today, students and visitors enter The Adelson middle and upper schools through a grand, glass dome. “This free-standing, circular glass rotunda measures 30 feet in diameter by 32 feet in height with a free spanning multi-sloping glass dome structure on top,” explains Ryan Navis, Super Sky’s project manager. Helping protect the dome from Nevada’s harsh climate, Linetec finished the aluminum framing in a 70% Kynar® polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), two-coat, Bone White. “The most weather-resistant of all architectural finishes, these coatings finishes exhibit outstanding resistance to humidity, color change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals. The reliability and durability of this painted finish helps reduce maintenance, repair and replacement.”.

Enduring, carefully-selected materials and finishes were a key aspect of the campus’ construction. According to the rotunda’s general contractor, Crisci Builders, the floor features the school logo inlaid with granite, marble and lapis lazuli. To build the school’s walls 160 tons of Jerusalem stone was imported from Israel. As well as its durability and distinctive look, the use of Jerusalem stone in The Adelson Educational Campus channels respect for the students’ heritage.” The campus also provides a Beit Midrash, which is directly translated to “house of learning.” Originally, a Beit Midrash was intended for its occupants to study the Torah. While used for the same purpose today, the idea has since evolved to include a study hall for the students of all faiths. Illuminating their learning space, the building is crowned with a skylight shaped as a Star of David that shines with natural light. Husker Glass installed the Beit Midrash‘s 15-foot-wide by 10-foot-tall skylight. Similar to the rotunda’s skylight, Linetec finished the aluminum framing in the same durable 70% PVDF coating. For both skylights, Viracon also fabricated the insulated, low-e laminated glass units with white silkscreen, maximizing thermal performance under the desert sun. The $65 million project and its two, signature skylights were completed in 2009, following two years of construction.