Pine Jog Elementary School and Florida Atlantic University, The FAU Pine Jog Environmental Ed. Ctr.
West Palm Beach, Florida
The Pine Jog Campus is pioneering a new direction for green schools in Florida. The mission is to inspire and excite children and residents in the science and art of restoring the natural landscape, and promoting our role as responsible citizens in safeguarding the planet’s natural resources. Collectively, the partners are integrating the curriculum to provide a comprehensive program of ecological awareness and stewardship. The entire 150-acre parcel was master-planned to serve as an outdoor classroom, and the two adjacent buildings synergize their programs, building systems and design features. Both the replacement Environmental Education Center and the elementary school will be LEED gold-certified. The buildings were designed to make many of their environmental benefits obvious to the occupants and teachers—the buildings themselves teach.
The regenerative site design includes habitat and tree preservation, native pineland landscape, wildlife habitats, stormwater collection and conservation, soil composting and an interactive sundial. The Solar Plaza combines solar technologies (photovoltaics and hot water) for students to see and monitor with computers. Signage explains the buildings’ LEED features, including preferred alternative-fuel and carpool vehicle parking; water-efficient plumbing; recycling stations, and the use of recycled and locally available construction materials; highly efficient and visible mechanical equipment; and polished concrete floors at high-use areas.
“This is an incredible learning environment. The use of building material as a learning tool is extremely well-done.”–2009 jury
Additional Information
Cost per Sq Ft
$170.92
Citation
Gold Citation
Featured in
2009 Educational Interiors
Category
Specialized
Other projects from this professional
Pine Crest Upper School
The firm worked closely with school administrators to re-create and re-program the...
Pine Crest Lower School
Pine Crest School is pioneering a nationwide direction for schools as one...
Village Oaks Elementary School
The Village Oaks Elementary project included a full-scope confirmation analysis, as well...
Pine Crest Preparatory School, Inc., Felicia B. Nutter Dining Hall Renovation
The project renovated the 14,870-square-foot dining hall and expanded the kitchen to...
Load moreProduct suppliers specified
AS&U Design Competitions
The ultimate tribute to education design excellence. If selected for publication, this distinctive...
Have an exceptional project that deserves national recognition? Want to show your best work to the...
