New School Design Focuses on Healthy IAQ

PORTLAND, Maine-Revised plans for a new, $10.5 million elementary school call for a “green” facility that will ensure a healthy, energy-saving environment, while recycling some materials from the mold-invested building it will replace – the former Jack Elementary School.

About 75 percent of salvaged materials, by weight, will be recycled. Some will be used to build the new $8 million (construction cost), 74,000-square-foot school, including sinks, electrical panels and stage curtains. Designs call for the use of easily maintainable materials, that don’t de-gas toxins, such as ground-faced concrete blocks and wainscoting. Other strong interior materials that promote healthy indoor air quality include low VOC paint, concrete floors, wood, extensive use of daylighting, and minimum carpet. The frame will be steel. Stephen Blatt Architects of Portland is the designer.