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.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

  • Ryan Companies Completes Construction on Three U.S. Charter Schools

    Ryan Companies US, Inc., recently partnered with Red Apple Development (RAD) and Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) to build three new charter schools in South Carolina and Louisiana, according to a news release. Ryan served as general contractor with RAD as the developer of record.

  • Zurn Releases New Ductile Iron Frame Trench Drain System

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently released the newest addition to its Train Drench portfolio, the Ductile Iron Frame Trench Drain System, according to a news release. The product is designed for heavy-duty applications like airports, military, universities, and more.

  • Malibu High School Campus Completes $102M Phase 1 of Construction

    Malibu High School in Malibu, Calif., recently announced that it has completed phase 1 of construction for its new campus, a news release reports. The first phase consisted of developing and modernizing the site of a former elementary school into a new, 70,000-square-foot, two-story facility.

Digital Edition