Perkins Eastman Tops Out Net Zero Energy High-School Building

Architecture firm Perkins Eastman recently participated in a topping out ceremony for the new facility for Alexandria City High School at its Minnie Howard Campus in Alexandria, Va., according to a news release. The facility will have a capacity for 1,600 students and has an expected completion date of 2025. The building’s design is part of the Alexandria City Public Schools’ Connected High School Network (CHSN) initiative, whose goal is to reimagine high-school education and the city’s capacity needs.

“It is an honor to have worked with the school and community of Alexandria to create a design that celebrates ACHS’ legendary Titan culture while providing a new environment that will inspire more active and experiential learning and promote the health and well-being of students, staff, and the entire community,” said Sean O’Donnell, Perkins Eastman Principal, who leads the group’s K–12 practice. “This new building will complement the existing King Street campus to redefine the high-school experience for future generations of Alexandrians and become a central part of Alexandria’s innovative model for a connected high school network.”

According to the news release, the new school will feature amenities like interdisciplinary communities; labs for science, art, and CTE; a library/learning commons area; and administrative and counseling space. CTE spaces will accommodate subjects like “renewable energy, aerospace, cybersecurity, robotics, nursing, pharmacy, and surgical tech.” The school will also include “Creative Commons” dining areas, two gyms, an aquatics facility, an early childhood center, a teen wellness center, and more.

The facility is also on track to achieve Net Zero Energy and LEED Gold Certification, according to the news release, which bears special mention because of the aquatics facility. The news release reports that sustainable and high-performance design strategies include optimized enclosure designed to minimize energy loss; efficient systems thanks to a geothermal wellfield; Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof; low-flow water fixtures; and choice of healthy building materials that minimize the negative impact on the environment.

“The shared vision for this school resulted in a building that will enhance education, enrich Alexandria’s community, and serve as a national model of sustainable, high-performance school design,” said Omar Calderón Santiago, AIA, Design Principal with Perkins Eastman.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Three U.S. Universities Install Acre Security Access Control Platform

    Cloud-native physical and digital security solutions company Acre Security recently announced that it has deployed its access control platform at three major universities in the U.S., according to a news release. Acre partnered with Atrium Campus to provide coverage for more than 69,000 students at the University of Virginia (UVA), George Mason University, and Rockhurst University.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

  • Texas District Finishes Construction on New Middle School, Admin Building

    The Westwood Independent School District recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Westwood Middle School and Administration Building in Palestine, Texas, according to a news release. The campus covers 106,000 square feet and has the capacity for 650 students in grades 6–8, and it will also play home to the district’s staff and administration.

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

Digital Edition