Concrete Classroom

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Concrete Classroom

Type

Educational › Elementary School
Industrial › Research Facility

The classroom is located in Charlottesville, Virginia on a flat, open site in a former field. The plot is 33’ by 132’ with the long direction running North-South. A pedestrian way runs along the East side of the plot, connecting to another pedestrian pathway with vehicular access on the North end of the site.The winters in Charlottesville are mild and the summers are humid, due in part to its location. The small city is situated on the western edge of the Piedmont Plateau in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Characterized by broad rolling hills and moderate slopes, Charlottesville’s mean temperature is 56.7° F, and it receives about 47 inches of precipitation in a typical year. (Virginia State Climatology Office).Sustainable StrategiesUsing a combination of Portland Cement-based materials (precast, cast-in-place, and pervious concrete), the building will harvest and recycle rainwater for use in greywater systems and irrigation. Site-cast concrete forms the foundation and base for the superstructure and for the activities that go on in the building. Precast curved panels direct water down into a channel that leads to an underground storage tank. Pervious paving in conjunction with a bioswale filter stormwater back into the soil slowly, protecting the watershed from the harmful effects of runoff. Additionally, a geothermal heat pump supplies the energy to cool the air and heat the building via a radiant heating system in the floor.The curved precast panels are oriented to shade the southern end of the building from harsh summer sunlight and to block most of the strong afternoon light from the West, reducing the cooling load.DesignThe form, character, and construction of the classroom result from the considered possibilities and capabilities of Portland cement-based materials. Students of design and construction will benefit from a classroom that also functions as a showcase for innovative, sustainable concrete technology. The building demonstrates the effect of material choices on design, and emphasizes a strong experiential and environmental connection between building and site.

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Concrete Classroom

Concrete Classroom

Product Spec Sheet

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Team