The first high school in the U.S. to receive the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Award. New two-story 253,000 square foot high school with masonry exterior includes a 2,600-seat field house, auditorium, offices and commons, kitchen, classrooms, band and chorus rooms, wood, metal, auto and home-building shops.
Unique Challenges
The school district was anxious to prove that even though a green-designed high school would cost slightly more to construct, the extra cost would be more than made up for in savings on operating costs. The architect wanted to build an attractive, functional building using green design principles.
Solution
This school building is built of local and recycled materials and emphasizes the use of daylight, energy efficiency and sustainability for a minimal environmental impact. Larson worked with the green building materials, engineering them so they meet all code requirements and provide a structure that will remain sound and energy efficient for years to come.
