Architecture Research Office

The team, working with the NYC School Construction Authority, applied Passive House Institute standards to pilot new strategies to achieve ultra-low energy use in public schools. Compared to a standard NYC public school, the building reduces energy consumption by more than 70% (from a source EUI of 126 kBtu/sf/yr to 34 kBtu/sf/yr). The windows are triple glazed and thermally broken to maintain an air-tight envelope.

Fresh air is provided by ERVs (MERV 13) that filter incoming air and capture energy. Over 90% of occupied spaces have a direct view to the outdoors.

The green roof and high-solar reflectance pavers minimize the effects of solar heat gain to reduce urban heat islands. The plantings are 90% native vegetation, focused on native woodland and meadow pollinator species, to keep maintenance low and to provide habitat for insects and food for birds.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on the cooling tower fans prevent excessive water consumption since the fans are not running at full capacity year-round. Adjusting speed to meet actual cooling demands reduces water consumption, also enabled by the two-cell design that allows both cells to operate in tandem at higher efficiencies.

The building provides a home for two bilingual schools that are representative of the diversity of Brooklyn and serve immigrant and low-income families from across the five boroughs. The multipurpose gymnatorium, visible from State Street, was designed for off-hours community gathering as well as school use.