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

  • ed tech conference calendar

    Upcoming Awards, Events & Webinars

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • Round Rock ISD Completes New Early College High School

    Round Rock ISD near Austin, Texas, recently announced that construction is complete on a new, 46,500-square-foot campus for Early College High School, according to a news release. The new facility will allow the school’s students and staff to move from portables into a permanent building and increase its enrollment to 500.

  • Houston-Area High School Breaks Ground on 117,000SF Multi-Use Facility

    North Shore Senior High School, part of Galena Park ISD in Houston, Texas, recently broke ground on a new multi-use facility for student extracurriculars, according to a news release. The North Shore Multi-Use Facility will include dedicated practice and training space for the school’s athletics and fine arts programs.