Aspen Middle School Receives Gold Certification

In addition to the new middle school building, the project designed by Hutton Architecture Studio with Studio B Architects includes a 7,525-square-foot addition to the elementary school and 10,000 square feet of renovations.

The five-classroom addition was built on top of the existing classroom wing. The district theatre received electrical and lighting upgrades and a new sound system.

A CORE grant funded sustainable features, such as interior and exterior solar shades, solar heating and lighting controls.

After a year of operation, the school’s utility bills are less than half of what was spent on the former building, according to designers. Additional funds were acquired through a voter-approved bond measure. The passage of the bond vote relied heavily on stipulations that the new construction be energy efficient, according to Paul Hutton, of Hutton Architecture Studio.

“The original building was an energy hog,” Hutton says.

Energy-saving systems are implemented throughout the new facility. The building is equipped with operable windows, direct digital control of the HVAC system and indirect evaporative cooling in select areas, according to designers. Locally produced brick and concrete block, bamboo wall and ceiling panels, and recycled-content flooring add to the building’s sustainable features. The restrooms have low-flow plumbing fixtures and waterless urinals.

Another feature of the new facility gives students a new perspective: windows. The old building, built in 1971, had none. The new building allows students a view of the surrounding snow-covered mountains.

The new middle school was built next to the old school, which was demolished to make room for a new playground.