Story

Raymond Elementary School is a testament to the intersection of urban education, sustainability, and historic preservation. Our dedication to achieving net zero energy while respecting the past has set a benchmark for future projects. It symbolizes how innovation, sustainability, and history coexist harmoniously, leaving a legacy for future generations. The redesigned school now accommodates 590 students as of the 2023-24 school year and features a new wing housing a gymnasium, library, and classrooms, along with an enhanced entry sequence. Our commitment to sustainability is not just a goal but a shining testament, with LEED Gold and Net Zero Energy certifications as our targets. Over 100 geothermal wells, solar canopies, and energy-efficient systems were integrated to achieve this goal, all while meticulously preserving the historical integrity of the building, a testament to our respect for the past. Sustainability was a central theme, and our commitment to achieving Net Zero Energy requirements was evident in every design aspect. Our focus extended to upgrading MEP systems, modernizing infrastructure, and even addressing the challenge of limited space for renewable energy installations. Before the renovation, the school had a 1920s historic building and a 1960s addition. The team embarked on the project with a thorough analysis of scenarios to meet design, programmatic, sustainability, budget, and schedule goals, a testament to our meticulous planning. The design maintains the historic building and removes the existing 1960s addition to create a new entrance and wing housing a gymnasium, library, and classrooms, and enhancing the courtyard for outdoor education and play. A new entry sequence bridges the two wings and creates an accessible, landscaped path to the front entrance, a feat that requires innovative thinking and careful execution. The project goals included achieving the highest levels of sustainability, including WELL, LEED Gold, and Net Zero Energy. The session will discuss how synergies between those sustainability goals were identified and utilized. The project is targeting LEED Version 4.0 Gold certification. To achieve NetZero Energy, the first step was to reduce air infiltration at the historic building and improve its existing envelope's overall performance. The focus of the addition was to improve envelope air tightness and to improve the glazing system performance compared to code minimum values. Inside the building, the team focused on utilizing demand control systems to minimize energy consumed by plug loads, ventilation conditioning, lighting, and HVAC equipment. The use of an automatic shading system reduced additional lighting and HVAC loads. The remaining energy consumption of the building will be offset by the geothermal system and highly efficient solar canopies over parking and roof areas for on-site power generation. To meet the design, programmatic, sustainability goals, and construction goals of the project, the design-build project delivery was critical to the process. The team worked iteratively, balancing competing interests within the design-build teams with historical goals, owner's needs, and stakeholder goals.