September 2, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sammamish, Wash. – You would expect an elementary school named after environmentalist Rachel Carson to be sustainably designed. In this case, the school's name was serendipitous: the students of the new Rachel Carson Elementary School made the choice after the school was already designed, from nominees in many different fields. In her writings, Carson encouraged people to discover and help children discover the wonder of the natural world. This new school building offers many opportunities for children to discover nature while the school leaves a smaller footprint on the environment.

A green roof covers two sections of the school, reducing rain run-off from the building. These green roofs are the first on a school building in a K-12 school district in this state. These roof tops are covered in soil and hold succulent plants that can survive the dry summers. It also insulates the spaces below.

Rain gardens are scattered throughout the site to help contain and filter the water that runs off the building and impervious areas. These planting areas feature a mixture of hardy native plants and sandy soil that allows water to infiltrate and recharge the aquifers below. Outdoor classrooms have been positioned adjacent to rain gardens so they can be studied as part of natural science class work. Low impact development also ensured that many original trees and native plants were retained.

The heating system relies on a geothermal heat pump for 80 percent of the heating and 20 percent from a boiler. By taking energy from the ground, which is a constant 55 degrees, this heating system saves considerable amounts of energy. The rooms are heated primarily with a radiant floor system, which minimized the need for duct work and reduced the building’s floor to floor height. Ceiling fans also assist in maintaining comfort, with three downward air speeds and one upward air speed.

The building is positioned to provide ample daylight while avoiding heat gain in the room. Overhangs screen classrooms from direct sun while keeping rooms bright.

Natural ventilation is part of the building’s design. Windows in almost every classroom can be opened. Each classroom features a thermostat and a CO2 sensor. LED lights indicate when:

• windows should be closed or left slightly cracked for minimum ventilation to allow the heating system to perform.
• windows can be opened or closed as desired because the outside temperature is mild.
• windows should be opened slightly; CO2 levels are high, which can make students drowsy. Exhaust ventilation dampers open and exhaust fans turn on automatically.

The school features a shared learning area in each wing that allows classes to meet together, small groups to move from the main classroom for group work, or other curricular purposes. The space is open and visible from the classrooms so both spaces can be supervised at once. All classrooms are equipped with computers, electronic whiteboards, and document cameras.

A conservation ethic was kept in mind throughout the school, for environmental and money saving purposes. In addition to the energy savings from the geothermal heat system, occupancy sensors in each room turn lights off when no one is in the room. Carpet tile, rubber flooring, renewable and recycled materials are not only sustainable but can be maintained without the use of chemicals and are easier to replace if damaged.

Many of the school’s details and its artwork were inspired by the solar system and other celestial references. This theme was selected during planning stages, before the district had determined which students would attend the school and before the name was selected. This natural science theme fits in with the concept of discovering the natural world. Two circular windows at either end of the second floor main corridor feature a sun theme and a moon theme. This glass art is by sculptor Bruce Myers, who also created a set of constellations in the entry plaza at the front of the school.

The site at just over seven acres is smaller than the district’s normal requirement, providing challenges for the architect. Carson Elementary shares bus access at the back of the school with Inglewood Junior High, which borders the site to the West. Parking for staff and parents is placed at the front of the school, with clear circulation from the street.

Rachel Carson Elementary was designed by Rebecca Baibak, AIA, LEED® AP, of Integrus Architecture, and built by Kassel Construction.

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About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District is the sixth largest district in the state of Washington. It has over 23,000 students in 50 schools located in Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington.