Sustainable Design for a New Generation

ATSR Planners Architects Engineers partnered with Rushford-Peterson Schools to deliver a new K-12 facility. Our focus? Sustainable design and energy efficiency, guided by LEED principles and a commitment to life-cycle cost effectiveness. We even embraced the challenge of building on a significantly sloped site, carefully avoiding valuable farmland.

Innovative, Eco-Friendly Construction

Our comprehensive approach covered every detail:

• Eco-Friendly Building: We used tilt-up precast wall panels for 90% of the school, speeding construction and boosting insulation.
• Durable & Efficient Interiors: Polished concrete flooring offers longevity, and low VOC materials for cabinetry and countertops ensure healthier indoor air quality.
• Smart Energy Performance: Enhanced solar-heat-gain (SHG) window glazing maximizes natural light while reducing heat transfer.
• Advanced Systems: Energy recovery systems, zoned heating, and LED lighting with occupancy and daylight sensors keep energy use low. Our design even allowed for smaller air handling units and chillers, thanks to superior insulation.

Responsible Site Development

We made the most of a challenging site:

• Strategic Placement: We built on a hill, avoiding valuable cropland.
• Cost-Saving Fill: On-site sand was used for fill, cutting costs and reducing our carbon footprint.
• Green Landscaping: Over 40% of the north portion features native grasses and vegetation, with native seeding replacing sod on the south.
• Stormwater Management: Permeable pavers were installed for fire access and bus drives, helping manage stormwater.
• Winter Safety: Heated concrete with hydronic tubing at the main entry ensures safety and eliminates the need for salt.
• Optimized Terrain: We created extensive retaining walls and hills to establish level ballfield areas.

The Rushford-Peterson School showcases ATSR’s expertise in creating high-performance, environmentally conscious educational facilities that benefit students, the community, and the environment for years to come. Our sustainable practices deliver long-term value and operational efficiency for our clients.