Prairie Crossing Charter School Web Site

PCCS Buildings

Buildings Designed with an Environmental Focus

Environmental Features of Building and Design Elements:

" Durable, non-toxic, recycled and/or recyclable building materials will be favored above less environmentally friendly materials.

" Acoustical comfort will be achieved through a design that boosts the audio legibility within the classroom while effectively dampening the distracting noise from the outside.

" Optimal thermal comforts will be established through controlled temperature, humidity and drafts.

" Indoor air quality will be enhanced through continuous ventilation, isolating potential contaminates, and reducing or controlling moisture accumulating sources.

" Security and safety is to be obtained through surveillance and controlled access.

" HVAC performance will be heightened by the use of efficient, right-sized equipment.

" Extensive integration of electrical lights with day lighting strategies will create a superior lit environment while saving energy costs. Day lighting, which entails glare-free illumination from natural light, will contribute to an energy efficient and productive environment.

" Insulation levels will be optimized. Moisture and air barriers, glazing, thermal mass, and light colored surfaces will support additional energy savings.

" Storm water run-off will be reduced through the use of porous paving surfaces, vegetated swales, and water collecting cisterns. These measures, combined with the efficient consumption and reuse of fresh water ensures a high level of water efficiency.

" The use of certain renewable systems such as geothermal heat pumps, natural ventilation, photovoltaic electricity and wind generation will also be considered to help meet the school's energy needs.

Architect's drawings

Architect's sketch

Floor plans

Building Showcase

Gymnasium

The Phase II growth at PCCS included both the new 5th-8th grade classroom building and the gymnasium.

Kennicott Building

5th-8th Grade

As you can see in the floorplan drawing, the building will have eight classrooms. Each classroom will have a main classroom area of 600 square feet, roughly the same size as a classroom in the Kennicott, plus a study nook of 200 square feet. The total classroom size will then be one-third larger than the existing classrooms in the Kennicott. In addition, each classroom will have storage space for students' coats, books, etc.