The new elementary school was designed
in conjunction with the Collaborative for High Performance School (CHPS)
requirements. The project team,
including Fort Worth ISD was unified in their goal of implementing CHPS and thereby
improving the energy performance of the building. Some of the key components for the CHPS
status are the geothermal ground source heat pump system for heating and
cooling the entire facility, optimum building orientation, high insulation
values, and shading of the building.
Other strategies included bringing daylight and outside views to all
educational core and ancillary spaces with roof light monitors and windows in
all classrooms. In addition to thermal
and visual comfort, the design implemented a quiet learning environment by
providing excellent acoustic qualities in the classrooms. The new one-story facility addresses the
prominent intersection with a welcoming ‘front porch’ that extends from the
main entry and provides a protected gathering space. The school campus includes 32
state-of-the-art classrooms, two playgrounds, a basketball court, and an
abundance of grassy play areas. The
school is approximately 76,100 square feet and was designed for a 650 student
capacity. The building also has the
flexibility to be used for public functions in the evenings for community
gatherings and events.