The 45,000 s.f. addition and 30,000 s.f. renovation of Sidwell Friends Middle School was recently certified by the US Green Building Council's LEED program as 'Platinum.' This is the first LEED Platinum building in Washington, D.C., and the only LEED Platinum Certified K-12 school in the world.

 

The building is equipped to use natural ventilation for most of its heating and cooling, which reduces energy usage and improves indoor-air quality. The project also includes an odor-free wetlands site that treats sewage and recycles water to be used for toilets.

 

Recycled, rapidly renewable and locally produced materials such as cork, gypsum, linoleum, bamboo and wheatboard substrate were used to furnish the building. These materials were harvested with minimal environmental impact. All plywood was FSC certified CFX for in-wall blocking. The panelized exterior skin of the building is of western red cedar, reclaimed from wine casks, and all building systems are visible.

 

Other interesting project materials and tasks included: window blocking exterior shealthing; cabinetry utilized clear finished agboard; doors were FSC certified UF free with bamboo veneer; exterior wood scrim wall was made of 50-year-old cedar reclaimed from wine barrels. Interior wood floor and exterior decking was greenheart wood salvaged from logs sunk in the Baltimore Harbor. Linoleum was used for flooring, countertop surfaces and tackable panels. More than 75% of the stone utilized in the landscaping is reclaimed.

 

A semi-extensive roof system was used to insulate the building, thus reducing dependence on mechanical heating and cooling. The roof system also holds and filters rainwater and provides a site to grow vegetables and herbs to be used in the school cafeteria. Skylights maximize natural light in classroom spaces. Double-glazed windows allow visible light to enter while reducing heat gain and loss. Dimmable fixtures adjust according to outdoor light levels with the use of a photocell in each classroom. Five percent of the overall electrical need for the building will be satisfied by a 50 panel solar array on the existing Middle School wing.