Feeling Right at Home – At School

Contextual design makes students and this new building feel right at home.

Integrating the style of surrounding residential developments was paramount to the design of this welcoming new K-5 school. The chosen exterior materials, including barn wood salvaged from a 19th century barn formerly located on the site, help to enhance student comfort and familiarity. In keeping with the philosophy of healthy and sustainable learning environments, the mechanical design utilizes ceiling-mounted active induction beams, central dual-wheel energy recovery units, and heat pumps. A central horizontal geothermal field with over five miles of underground pipe is the source for earth coupled energy, creating a system approximately 55% more efficient than current state energy code for base building systems. With future growth in mind, the building was designed to allow for two additional classroom wings and a gymnasium to accommodate the expanding needs of this district.