This new classroom building for the Albuquerque public school system is designed as an exciting and functional facility, which will promote creativity and be conducive to teaching and learning. This project is seeking USGBC LEED For Schools, Gold Certification. Many of the same LEED strategies listed in the Duranes Elementary project have been utilized here, with the addition of natural light monitors, an active recycling room, and enhanced acoustics. The classrooms have been designed to be spacious, quiet and naturally lit.

- Spacious. Each classroom, which will house 4th and 5th grade students, is approximately 980 square feet. Larger classrooms which were requested by the user group allow various furniture layouts, reduce overcrowding and can facilitate project-based learning.

- Acoustics. Ceilings are constructed of Tectum, a unique structural panel which performs approximately 60% better in NRC (noise reduction) than the standard acoustical tiles. HVAC equipment is sound
isolated from the classrooms and specified to have low operational noise.

- Natural light / views. Our site necessitated a north / south orientation, so primary windows are to the east and the west. The sun has been controlled with large overhangs and orientation to limit glare and overheating. Large "light monitors" have been provided in the middle of the rooms to bring the natural light into the back of the room.

Since the Barcelona campus has a very limited area, it is especially important that the building is integrated into the site in a non-intrusive way. The building footprint strengthens the existing circulation artery from the playground to the field through the new breezeway. The design also provides a safe and sheltered waiting area for students at the pick-up/ drop-off area.