Industry Contributes to High School Design

YKK AP played an integral role in the "High-Performance School of the Future, Today" which was on display at the 2008 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston November 19-21.

The High-Performance School of the Future, Today is an eco-friendly, self-contained classroom for school expansions. Organized by Building Design and Construction, an example of the innovative structure was situated at the main entrance to the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. The 1,282-square-foot "learning space" incorporated the latest concepts in eco-friendly, sustainable features and products. The pre-designed, modular structures are intended to replace the uninspiring trailers commonly used by school systems to accommodate a growing student population. This innovative new approach gives students a visually stimulating and spacious learning environment filled with natural light.

As a sponsor YKK AP's design team plays an integral role in the fenestration systems design and furnished the curtainwall and ThermaShade sunshades for the model. YKK AP products help increase sustainability by affording natural light and retaining indoor heating.

"Sustainability is central to YKK AP's mission, and the High-Performance School of the Future, Today is a stellar example," says Oliver Stepe, YKK AP senior vice president. "We are proud to be part of this new and innovative concept in enhancing the learning environment."

The system used in the High-Performance School of the Future, Today comes in pre-manufactured kits that can be assembled by any general contractor. It was created by Project FROG, an innovative San Francisco design and sustainable building products firm.

Greenbuild is presented annually by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization committed to expanding sustainable building. The council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is a voluntary, national effort to encourage high-performance, sustainable buildings.

Glass products from PPG Industries were also part of the project. Included is Solarban 70XL glass which is designed to enhance the learning environment by transmitting high levels of sunlight and blocking the sun's heat, thereby reducing energy consumption by reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems.

According to Nikki Tankursley, director of marketing for Project FROG, the classroom is "characterized by abundant natural light, prevalent use of attractive, sustainable, non-toxic materials-all within a cost-, maintenance-, and energy-efficient package."

The project also includes configurable windowwall systems made from predominantly recycled materials and photovoltaic panels.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Project FROG.

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