This centrally located, community-based, high performance K-5 school enhances and embodies curriculum as a “living textbook” for its 550 students and the community. A number of unique outdoor elements such as a rooftop science lab and an amphitheater invite learning, and community-oriented features include a parenting and tutoring center, inter-generational tutoring services and an adjacent renovated warehouse serving as an early childhood center.

Comprehensive sustainable and integrative design consulting services, including LEED consulting, energy modeling and commissioning, were provided by 7group. Energy modeling used in parallel with cost estimating and HVAC load calculations led to strategies that reduced HVAC loads by 40% decreasing HVAC system first costs and resulted in a 45% savings in energy consumption compared to a code-compliant baseline. Overall, the project’s first construction costs were reduced, and the energy reductions saved $80,000 in operational costs annually. The project was prominently featured in The Integrative Design Guide to Green Building published by Wiley & Sons.

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Particularly proud of how the building contributes to the environmental curriculum in its science program, the school integrates lessons learned from the building process strengthening student familiarity and identification with sustainability ideals. The building itself is a powerful teaching tool; Plexiglas doors on all mechanical closets expose the highly efficient systems within and transparent raised flooring reveals the cabling systems allowing students to study these systems in action, and a 30 kW photovoltaic array serves as an example of renewable energy generation. A long list of energy features include an improved thermal envelope, triple-paned windows, reduced lighting power density, daylight dimming, motion sensors, exterior shading and light shelves. In addition, underfloor air distribution, ground source heat pumps, energy recovery and demand controlled ventilation contribute to this highly efficient school.