Recovery School District
Langston Hughes Elementary School

New Orleans, Louisiana

 

 

Overview:

The project design emphasizes energy efficiency. The heating, cooling and electrical lighting systems exceed energy code requirements, reducing annual power consumption and utility costs by as much as 35%. Clerestory windows, individual thermostats, occupancy sensors and photo cells for daylight harvesting increase efficiency and enhance occupant comfort.

The design team selected sustainable, recyclable materials, much of which were harvested and manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project site. The use of local materials supports the region’s economy and minimizes energy consumption costs in transporting materials to the construction site.

The design encourages use of alternative transportation by providing reserved parking for carpool and low-emissions fuel vehicles, as well as secure bike racks and showering facilities for students and staff. The facility incorporates materials and finishes that minimize the quantity of indoor air contaminants or VOCs. Glazing is maximized at north/south orientation to provide natural light to classrooms, dining, group learning and major public spaces with least impact on HVAC system due to solar heat gain. The facility incorporates design features, materials and systems that reduce the heat island effect of the facility through the use of cool roofs and minimized site paving.

Water conservation is achieved through the use of water efficient landscaping and plumbing fixtures. The site is landscaped with indigenous plants species that are more suited to the local climate and require little or no irrigation. Metered, sensor-operated plumbing fixtures reduce potable water use by up to 30%.