Da Vinci Middle School unveils new green classroom
Construction is 70 percent more efficient than Oregon building code requirements.
Da Vinci Arts Middle School in Northeast Portland officially opened its new LEED Platinum-anticipated, net-zero energy, high-performance classroom building last month.
The 1,500-square-foot building houses the school’s music program while demonstrating energy efficiency and Portland Public Schools’ commitment to green building practices.
Winner of the Green Investment Fund grant from the City of Portland, the building was designed to satisfy the highest nationally recognized green building criteria. The building was constructed with nontoxic, environmentally friendly materials and processes, and features many
energy-efficiency measures such as:
- A storm-water management system that connects to an adjacent garden
- Efficient heating and cooling systems
- Solar panels that help create a net-zero energy environment
- Nightly venting to regulate heating
- An innovative daylighting design
One of the more unique features of the Da Vinci addition is the school’s experimental natural lighting system, called “the halo,” which provides enough light, even with overcast skies, so there’s no need to flip on a switch during the school day.
The Da Vinci addition is one of five Pacific Northwest labs in the Betterbricks Integrated Design Lab Network, which is researching how to improve energy efficiency in schools, hospitals and office buildings.
Portland Public Schools plans to rebuild or remodel every one of its buildings over the next 20 years and hopes to integrate as many green features as possible. The Da Vinci addition is a pilot project for the district to decide which new technologies will be included in future sustainable classrooms.
If you are interested in energy-efficiency upgrades and new construction improvements, here are a few places to get more information: