The 2023 update of the Santa Fe Teen Center showcases how the Kalwall translucent panel system can elevate everyday community spaces. Partnering with Wilson & Company, Inc., our consultative sales team at Powers Products Southwest helped identify a solution that brings soft, even daylight into the building while controlling heat gain and glare—two critical factors in Santa Fe’s high-desert climate. Kalwall’s insulated, fiberglass-reinforced panels diffuse natural light deep into the interior, reducing dependence on electric lighting and creating a bright, welcoming environment that supports wellness and activity.

At the entrance, a new Kalwall entry canopy provides a warm, lantern-like glow day and night. During the day, it filters the intense New Mexico sun, offering shade and visual comfort while maintaining excellent wayfinding and a strong architectural identity. After dusk, the canopy’s softly illuminated surface becomes a beacon for teens and families, enhancing safety and reinforcing the center’s role as a vibrant community hub.

Inside the gymnasium, Kalwall’s high-performance daylighting transforms the experience for athletes and spectators alike. The translucent panels deliver balanced, glare-free illumination across the court, minimizing hotspots, shadows, and reflections commonly associated with conventional glazing. The result is consistent light quality that supports performance and reduces eye strain, all while improving energy efficiency thanks to Kalwall’s superior thermal performance and UV screening.

From early product selection through detailing and installation support, Powers Products Southwest worked closely with Studio Southwest Architects to tailor panel assemblies, finishes, and structural integration to the project’s goals. The outcome is a durable, low-maintenance envelope solution that pairs aesthetics with measurable performance—an inviting entry, a better-lit gym, and a teen center that feels as good as it looks.