Florida Net-Zero High School Completes $29M Expansion Project
NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee, Fla., recently completed a 53,000-square-foot, three-story addition to its campus, according to a news release. The school partnered with construction firm Skanska on the project, which includes 26 new classrooms with collaborative learning spaces and labs. NeoCity Academy was the first net-zero high school campus in the state of Florida, the news release reports.
The expansion includes sustainability features like a photovoltaic canopy that provides solar energy as well as shade and shelter, LED lighting, and designated space for future rooftop solar panels. The project also involved detailing and expanding the school’s building envelope to reduce air leakage and control temperature, air, and humidity. Window placement and sizing were also taken into account to minimize the school’s energy use and heat gain.
“We’re excited to deliver this sustainability-focused expansion to NeoCity Academy and the School District of Osceola County,” said Skanska Vice President Daniel Abou-Jaoude. “This project is a testament to Skanska’s commitment to construct innovative and forward-thinking educational facilities throughout the state.”
The project also features a photovoltaic “mixer” space that acts as a gathering space for faculty and students. Other site improvements include a new canopy and covered walkway that create both outdoor learning spaces and increased accessibility between buildings, according to the news release.
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Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].