NAME OF BUILDING – HAROLD D. RIDER FAMILY MEDIA, SCIENCE & FINE ARTS CENTER
http://www.elginacademy.org/
ADDRESS – 261 Dundee Avenue., Elgin, IL
BUILDING’S COMPLETION – October 2008
DESIGNER/ARCHITECT – DLA
BUILDER – Pepper Construction
OWNER/DEVELOPER – Elgin Academy
SQUARE FOOTAGE – 41,380 Square Feet
CERTIFICATION ACHIEVED - LEED Gold |
An environmentally-conscious educational facility, Harold D. Rider Family Media, Science and Fine Arts Center is a private school designed for Pre-Kindergarten-12th grade students. One core goal for this school is to aid students in developing a greater understanding and appreciation for the principles of Green Sustainable Design, which is accomplished by students using the facility as a “living laboratory” as part of its ongoing curriculum Constructed by DLA Architects, the design features a variety of highly visible “green” features that publicly promote the school. Among the more noticeable of these features are the xeriscape landscaping, environmentally controlled lighting, and occupancy sensors, as well as dual flush toilets for water conservation. The not so obvious features include the urban infill and a highly efficient building envelope to reduce solar heat gain. This school facility has a strong community connection through a public/private partnership, which involves the communal use of the school’s Black Box Theater. The theater houses student programs along with the Elgin Opera and other local groups. With the Green Sustainable Design and its principles embedded within the heart and soul of both the program and the facility itself, Harold D. Rider Family Media, Science and Fine Arts Center exemplifies a new trend in going green.
FUN FACTS
FACT 1 – The white roof has a high reflectivity which reduces the heat island effect by minimizing absorption of the sun’s heat into the building.
FACT 2 – The school is an educational tool for students who serve as docents providing tours to visitors.
FACT 3 – A vestibule airlock controls air infiltration at the primary entrance where students, staff and guests enter and exit throughout the day.
FACT 4 – Students of all ages are being trained to use computer displays to monitor the performance of the building’s mechanical and electrical systems.
FACT 5 – Each of the science classes feature an environmental focus.