Bethany School

Cincinnati, OH

The new Bethany School campus uses Zero Energy, biophilia and natural play design strategies to give students a personalized and healthy learning environment. The design replaces multiple buildings on the Bethany school campus with new projectbased learning environments. Natural light, natural materials and biophilic constructs and images create a healthier education center. The site design also encourages healthy learning with one of the largest playscape playgrounds in the Midwest.

Zero Energy Strategies

Zero Energy design strategies are at the core of the client’s approach to sustainability. The campus is designed to consume 15 kBtus/sf/year. This is 25 percent less energy per square foot than the average vacant building. Solar panels create a carbonneutral facility. Other accomplishments include:

• Stormwater - Rain gardens, bioswales and underground, slow release systems combine to beat code by 20 percent.

• LEED Platinum Certification - The buildings are projected to achieve LEED Platinum certification - one of the few K-12 campuses to achieve this goal in the Midwest.

• School as a Teaching Tool - The school uses design strategies to help influence curriculum and pedagogy, which will help educate a new generation of environmental stewards.

CLIENT

Bethany School

SCOPE

58,000 New SF

COST

$12.0 M

CONTACT

David Gould

Head of School

513.771.7462

PARTNER FIRM

Emersion Design

Expertise

• Designed for Zero Energy Use

• Projected energy use of 15 kBtu/sf, less than the average empty warehouse

• Targeting LEED

Platinum certification

• Biophilic design themes to support project-based learning

Daylighting strategies create a welcoming and healthy environment for students.

Early energy modeling analysis allowed for the use of glass in appropriately-oriented spaces.

An extensive natural playscape connects students with the environment.