Jaime Padron Elementary School No 2

This project was designed to achieve sustainability standards for LEED Gold certification, as well as the City of Austin 4-Star Green Building rating. The school includes an innovative design to cluster classrooms and the library around an atrium, with a skylit mall to provide daylighting techniques, bringing natural light to the interior to enhance the learning environment.

The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems were completely replaced. The energy systems savings, along with a 256 kW solar photovoltaic array, reduced energy use by 43.4 percent (3.067 BTU/yr) as well as avoided demand of 245 kW. The water system design reduced water demand by 22.4 percent. Irrigation savings total 55.9 percent, resulting in 144,719 gallons saved during July. The school features extensive interior and exterior LED lighting. Building systems are monitored to assess cost savings and efficiencies.

Adaptive reuse of an existing warehouse/industrial building, converted to a new 143,000-square-foot, 50-classroom school. Programmed spaces include classrooms, gym/cafeteria, library, specialized classrooms and administration functions. In order to accommodate the needed area and functions for the new use, a second floor was carefully inserted and coordinated within the existing structure. Site improvements were revised to accommodate separate vehicle circulation and access points for buses, parent drop-offs, and staff parking. Canopies at entries and drop-offs were designed, not just for functionality, but also for intuitive way-finding appropriate for children.

Sustainable materials include 30.8 percent recycled content, 31 percent of local content and 51 percent FSC certified of wood. The project was designed to reuse over 75 percent of the existing structure and over 88 percent of the construction waste (3,270 tons) was diverted from the landfill. Low VOC paints, sealants, adhesives, flooring and insulation will improve indoor air quality, providing a safer and healthier environment for students and teachers. A polished concrete floor will limit maintenance costs. The roof was completely replaced with a new light membrane to reduce the building’s heat island effect. Signage and instructional kiosks will educate users on the building’s sustainable elements.

The classroom pods feature multi-functional commons space. The exterior of the building was completely redesigned to express its new purpose as an elementary school, and to create a lively, welcoming appearance. Other exterior improvements include a 20,000-square-foot, shaded outdoor play veranda capable of providing play areas during any weather, mitigating the Texas heat.

Total Contract: $22 million. Completion: August 2014.