South Hackensack Memorial Elementary School

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Firm

DF Gibson Architects

Client

South Hackensack Board of Education

Area

40,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$10,100,000

Completion Date

01/2008

The addition to South Hackensack Memorial Elementary School approximately doubles the size of the school, which was built in the 1950s with an addition completed in 1964. It houses a gymnasium, cafeteria, media center and eight classrooms.

The addition complements and enhances the existing building. The main feature is the two-story entry atrium with a glass facade and clerestory windows that provide natural lighting. The gymnasium is accessed through the atrium, allowing it to be used for after-hours community functions.

The entire building will be air-conditioned. It is the first school in the state to use a direct gas-fired absorption chiller/heater. This technology is tremendously energy-efficient, resulting in heating and cooling costs 25 to 35 percent less than electronically driven chillers.