The Pemberton Journal
The Pemberton Journal O fficial Publication
FROM
of
Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association
November 2014, Vol V, I ssue XI
LEFTOVER TO LANDMARK
Local N e ig h bor’s Sc hool Proj ect Wi n s Award An elementary school designed by local Pemberton resident and architect Betty Trent received an Excellance in Construction Merit Award from ABC on Oct 16. The project was the first if its kind built by Austin ISD. Due to lack of vacant building sites in central north Austin, AISD chose to remodel an existing industrial building near Rundberg and Metric. Architecture Plus, the firm owned by Ms. Trent, was selected by AISD as part of a joint venture to convert the staid industrial building into a creative, dynamic and sustainable learning environment for children. It is the most unique project AISD has ever completed for the following achievements: • At 143,000 sf and 57 teaching spaces, it will be the largest and most technologically advanced elementary school in AISD. • It is the first adaptive reuse elementary school for Austin ISD. The school functions were carefully integrated into the existing industrial building. Among many other challenges, this required accommodating AISD’s standard classrooms into the existing structural grid, surgically inserting a second floor into the high bay space and redesigning the non-descript façade to reflect its new purpose as an elementary school. Daylight is brought into every Copyright © 2014 Peel, Inc.
teaching space and many public areas by skylights and light-filled atriums, providing natural light and way-finding. A large shaded play “porch” was carved out of the existing building to provide for outdoor play year-round out of the hot Texas sun and rain. • It is one of the first AISD projects to be designed to LEED compliance, currently on track to be granted a GOLD rating. The school will also meet Austin Energy Green Building’s 3 star rating. Sustainable goals included reusing 90% of the existing structure, using over 30% recycled content materials, and sourcing over 20% of the construction materials locally, within Texas. Energy demand was reduced by 41%, assisted by a 245 kw solar photovoltaic rooftop array. Water demand was reduced by 16%. The skylights added to the building were carefully located to meet a 34% reduction in lighting energy needs. • Polished concrete floors throughout will increase wearability and decrease maintenance for the life of the facility. • The school was recognized by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs for having the least cost per square foot of recent school projects constructed in Texas. The Pemberton Journal - November 2014
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