Millbrook Elementary School

Narratives

Architect Narrative

Natural light is provided as primary lighting source for all major spaces of the school for two thirds of the daylit hours. The daylighting strategy is based on north and south facing roof monitors that allow controlled natural sunlight to enter into the rooms. Translucent fabric baffles eliminate glare and allow the light to be distributed evenly throughout the room. Aluminum lightshelves are located on south facing windows to take advantage of perimeter lighting while protecting lower view glass.Rainwater is collected off the school’s roof into a 10,000 gallon underground cistern. The rainwater is then filtered and used for flushing the toilets of two bathrooms.A solar thermal system on the roof of the school preheats the water needed for the cafeteria.A 2 kW photovoltaic system produces the photo-electricity used in the Art and Music rooms.Energy-efficient electrical and mechanical systems include indirect lighting, dimming ballasts; motions sensors throughout the building, light sensors in each daylit room and condensing boiler.The school also features a constructed wetland that treats storm water run-off on site. The wetland was designed to be an outdoor learning center accessible to the building, where students can learn about eco-systems. A portion of the site was re-forested with indigenous trees.The energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly design solutions used by the lead architect also include:Energy-Efficient Building Shell: Window sizes and treatment vary with the window’s location and function. Thermal break windows, “Blind Between Glass” for upper windows, R-30 roof insulation, R-10 insulation in concrete masonry walls, and radiant barriers are consistently used throughout the building.Materials Recycling: Recycled materials such as carpet were specified. A mandatory waste management plan was implemented to recycle during construction and deconstruction.Local Products: As much as possible, local materials such as brick and block were used.

Educator Narrative

There are many wonderful features of the school to mention. I love the overall appearance of the school, the lighting in the rooms, the wall to which I can tack items, the generous amount of storage, and the quiet. The science lab is great!I think the students like the natural daylight. They are happiest when artificial lights are turned down low. They are quieter and more productive.The school building itself is a teaching tool. We certainly point out the energy efficiency, since we teach a unit in fifth grade on energy and alternate energy sources.The only drawback to the design, in my opinion, is the two parts of the building which are connected by the “connector” are awfully far apart, but I’m sure that can’t be helped. On the other hand, the “connector” is great in terms of safety and physical comfort in inclement weather.