J. J.
Pickle Elementary School/St. John Community Center
A
collaboration between Austin Independent School District and the City of
Austin
J. J.
Pickle Elementary School/ St. John Community Center, a unique joint
venture between the Austin Independent School District and the City of
Austin, was a demonstration project integrating sustainability into design
and operations.
The
new building, located several blocks east of IH-35 between St. John's Ave.
and Hwy 290, is energy and water efficient, more healthful for students
and teachers and provides a much needed home for community services and
activities in this northeast Austin neighborhood. In addition to a
neighborhood center, the facility will house a health clinic, a new public
library and an Austin Police Dept. community policing office.
Green Building
features in the project:
Proper
solar orientation allows for day-lit spaces in the gymnasium, cafeteria,
and all of the classrooms, which, in conjunction with direct and indirect
light fixtures and dimmable ballasts, reduces cooling loads and peak
energy demand by 40% in addition to providing high quality light. Total
energy cost is reduced by 25%.
This
is the first AISD and City of Austin facility that will have rainwater
collection. Rainwater will be collected on the metal roof and sent to
cisterns. It will be used to replace water that evaporates out of the air
conditioners cooling tower.
Salvaged longleaf pine is used for the stage floor.
Insulated concrete tilt-wall was selected based on its multiple functions
as structural support, insulation, and finished surface. All concrete
contains between 20% to 35% fly-ash, a by-product of coal burning power
plants.
Materials were used in their natural state where possible, eliminating
routine maintenance for finished surfaces.
Impervious cover on site was minimized by utilizing "head-in parking" off
the street instead of parking lots on site.
Low
VOC paints and finishes were specified throughout.
A life
cycle cost analysis indicated that this facility would save in excess of
$12 million over a conventional school. The project's design goals and
concepts were developed through an integrated team approach of the
architects, engineers, construction manager, sustainability experts,
school district, City of Austin, and neighborhood residents. Each idea
brought forward was evaluated for short-term criteria, long-term impact,
and overall sustainability.
The success of this project reflects on the cooperation between a variety
of designers, sustainability professionals, city officials, and members of
the community. This project received a three star rating.
Click on the links to
the left for more information about our school and our namesake!
