Florida Ruffin Ridley School

As a neighborhood school on an urban site in Brookline, the Florida Ruffin Ridley School occupies an important junction between a residential area, the Coolidge Corner commercial district, and historic landmarks. At the heart of the educational complex is the original and beloved brick Georgian schoolhouse, built in 1913 and attended by President John F. Kennedy and his siblings. Rising enrollment and severe overcrowding within the aging facilities—the original schoolhouse and additions built in the 1950s and 70s—challenged the town’s strong educational model. Certified as a LEED Gold facility, and with a projected Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 27 kBtu/sf/year, the new Florida Ruffin Ridley is not only a modern, engaging school complex, but also one of the most energy efficient schools in Massachusetts. Sustainable design measures underscore the commitment of the town and design team to revitalize the existing schoolhouse and provide a healthy learning environment for student

High performance features include exterior sunshades paired with interior light shelves to bring diffuse and balanced daylight into all learning spaces. LED fixtures are used throughout, while occupancy-based lighting controls ensure that artificial light is only used when necessary. High-efficiency HVAC equipment and a displacement ventilation system that conditions fresh air assure a comfortable environment and optimal indoor air quality. Air-handling systems are housed within the building rather than exposed on the roof to further improve efficiency and extend the longevity of these systems. Collectively, these measures reduce energy use by 32.2 percent below code requirements.

Throughout the school complex and site, the design preserves and expands natural elements and connections. Inside, corridors and classrooms with full-height window glazing provide natural views—including a music room nicknamed the “treehouse” classroom for its view into the surrounding tree line. Where the school’s site was previously dominated by pavement and muddy lawn due to longtime community use, the design introduces a new, maintainable natural layer—including organic elements such as a coconut cork-based turf soccer field and 85 plant species. A rain garden with native plantings just outside the cafeteria catches runoff from the building and lets it percolate into the ground, allowing students to understand the water cycle. A pollinator-friendly garden and raised, accessible planters allow students to cultivate and study gardens, outdoor classrooms provide space for project-based learning, and natural elements act as both play structures and teaching tools—blurring the line between learning and play.