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Architectural Lighting

St. Mark’s School of Texas, Zierk Athletic Center

Following the devastation of an EF-3 tornado, the St. Mark’s School of Texas Zierk Athletic Center was rebuilt as a resilient, future-focused campus facility—and Apeiro Design led the architectural lighting design that defines how the space is experienced. Collaborating with The Beck Group and CannonDesign, Apeiro developed a comprehensive lighting strategy balancing athletic performance, safety, and everyday campus life.

From the double-height entry corridor to the competitive gymnasium, the natatorium, locker rooms and support spaces, Apeiro prioritized vertical illumination to enhance visibility, wayfinding and occupant comfort. Technical solutions—including remote drivers, accessible fixtures, and energy-efficient specifications—ensure long-term maintainability without sacrificing design intent.

Resilience is engineered into every zone. Storm shelter areas feature lighting systems capable of operating up to three days on reduced power, with time-based scenes that simulate natural daylight rhythms when exterior light is unavailable. Integrated lighting controls support competitions, practices and events, adapting seamlessly across use cases.

The result is more than a replacement facility. Through pragmatic, human-centered architectural lighting design, Apeiro transformed the Zierk Athletic Center into an adaptable, high-performance athletic venue and community safe haven—where light supports continuity, well-being, and the full rhythm of campus life.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas, Zierk Athletic Center

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Location

Natatorium

Description

Fully indirect LED light-truss system provides the necessary horizontal, vertical, and uniformity targets for regional competitions and HD video recording for training and competition.

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Location

Natatorium

Description

The truss, with custom-integrated photo and vacancy sensors, is positioned for a lift to reach from the pool deck with no over-water maintenance required.

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Location

Locker Room

Description

Lighted locker banks, column highlights, and a logo feature in the varsity locker room conceals the dual purpose of this room as a storm shelter.

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Location

Gymnasium

Description

The gymnasium features traditional high-bay lighting with wire guards, punched daylight apertures, and wall wash luminaires to mitigate the daylight glare.

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Location

Storm Shelter

Description

Vertical lighting for ambient lighting is used within the storm shelters, providing soft and comfortable ambient light, in lieu of overhead, direct illumination.

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Location

Exterior

Description

Façade uplights, decorative lantern, and subtle downlighting sets the layered lighting vocabulary for the interior while creating the backdrop for evening competitions on adjacent fields/courts.

Project Details

Location

Dallas, Texas

Client

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Discipline

Architectural Lighting

Size

80,000 SF

Partners

The Beck Group (Architect of Record) / CannonDesign (Design Architect)

Photo Credit

Services

Daylighting / Site & Building Façade Lighting / Interior Lighting

Awards

2026, IES District of Columbia, Honorable Mention for Interior Lighting Design, Sponsored by Guth Charitable Trust