Glacier Hills Elementary School in Sandy, Utah, represents a transformative approach to educational architecture and design. This modern facility merged Edgemont and Bell View Elementary Schools into a single, state-of-the-art building capable of supporting up to 850 students, through the design and expertise of MHTN Architects, Inc.
The design concept reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding glacial landscapes of the Canyons School District, featuring interconnected spaces and flexible furniture designed to encourage collaboration and curiosity, as well as supporting the District’s Brain Booster and Youth Academy programs. The school also includes a youth center addition focused on emotional and mental health of elementary age students.
Classrooms serve as vibrant hubs of activity, equipped with advanced technology to facilitate interactive learning experiences. Shared communal areas act as gathering spots for students and parents, supporting a strong sense of community.
"We were inspired early on by the idea of glaciers and the movement of tectonic forces—not just in a geographic sense, but as an architectural language as well,” said Scott Later, Principal, MHTN Architects, Inc. “This concept heavily influenced our design approach, particularly with the lighting strategies, where we aimed to evoke those cooler tones and the ideas of fracture, fissure, and dynamic movement throughout the building. This sense of movement extends beyond the lighting to elements like flooring patterns, ceiling baffles, and the overall geometry of the space.”
Seamlessly incorporating lighting and lighting controls with the expertise of Resolut Group played a central role in bringing this concept to life. Blending a modern aesthetic with unparalleled performance, the SLOT 4 LED fixtures by Mark Architectural Lighting™ were integral to creating an inspiring and functional environment for students and educators. The SLOT 4 Pendant and Recessed luminaires in the central lobby not only highlight the Media Center above the reception area but also serve as a design centerpiece. These luminaires deliver clean lines of light with energy efficiency and design flexibility. They enable geometric patterns and continuous runs that elevate the space’s design. Complemented by ceiling baffles and large windows that bring in natural light, the luminaires create a welcoming and visually engaging atmosphere.
This central lighting arrangement also serves practical purposes, such as wayfinding through color-coded cues. For instance, red lighting signals indoor recess on inclement weather days and green lighting indicates outdoor recess. These features not only provide visual interest but also create functional, community-driven engagement, as the lights can be seen by parents and students from the street below the school. Additionally, students can earn rewards, known as “Yeti bucks,” to change the lighting colors through positive behavior incentives.
Mark Architectural Lighting products were selected for their aesthetic appeal and flexibility throughout the school. SLOT 4 Recessed, Surface, and Pendant were used in various spaces, including classrooms, corridors, and common areas, smoothly integrating into the design flow. In addition to the SLOT 4 luminaires, the school incorporated the I-BEAM® IBG Configurable LED High Bay by Lithonia Lighting® in the multipurpose room, which utilizes an operable partition and currently serves as the cafeteria and gymnasium spaces. Gotham EVO4 fixtures were utilized for exterior downlighting, creating a cohesive look and providing safety during evening hours.
A key component of Glacier Hills Elementary’s functionality is its nLight® Networked Lighting Controls Platform. The wired nLight® controls were chosen for their proven reliability, simplicity, and integration capabilities.
“The natural light and daylighting throughout the building was very important and gave us the opportunity to look at a lighting and controls solution that offered additional controls options, such as daylight harvesting where possible,” said Drayton Bailey, Principal, Resolut Group. “With the variance across the classroom space, being able to give the teachers the flexibility of how they control a space was very important for the school district. There was already a comfort level with the nLight networked lighting controls from previous experiences, so it was an easy choice to move forward with.”
nLight wired networked lighting controls are utilized in classrooms and common areas. Sensors automatically adjust interior lighting based on natural light levels and occupancy, optimizing energy efficiency. Each classroom and corridor are equipped with nLight on/off and dimming wall switches for user flexibility, while a time schedule layered across the spaces provides energy savings for the school. The new facility operates at an impressive Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 50, a significant improvement over the previous schools estimated EUIs of 60–80.
The parking lot features advanced controls with motion sensors and dimming photocells. These lighting controls enhance safety while minimizing energy use by dimming lights when no activity is detected.
Additionally, wired SensorSwitch™ wall switch occupancy sensors are used in singular spaces and Fresco® touchscreens for dynamic lighting control in the main entry corridor and stage. This provides a cohesive lighting controls system with common aesthetics and integrated control capability that leverages Acuity Brands’ full portfolio.
“The reception of the new facility has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Later. “During an open house event, students, parents, and teachers expressed their excitement for the school’s innovative design. Teachers, who are the ones spending extended hours in the building, really love the welcoming and thoughtfully designed spaces, that also give them more control over their classroom settings.”
Glacier Hills Elementary School demonstrates how thoughtful design, and advanced technology can transform educational spaces. The project seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with functionality, leveraging Acuity Brands’ cutting-edge lighting and lighting controls systems to create a sustainable, engaging, and inspiring environment for all who enter. It’s not just a school, but a beacon of innovation and community, acting as a model for future educational projects.
To view the full image gallery from the Glacier Hills Elementary School project, visit MARK's site.
Project Name: Glacier Hills Elementary School
Location: Sandy, UT
Lighting Design: Resolut Group
Architectural Design Lead: MHTN Architects, Inc.
Agent: JRC Lighting
Photographer: Endeavor Architectural Photography
