Thompson School District’s High Plains School | Loveland, CO

highplains2

Photo courtesy of RB+B Architects

Thompson School District’s High Plains School has received its LEED Gold certification. This is the first LEED Certified building in Thompson School District. This new 63,000-square-foot Pre-K – 8 complex recently opened in eastern Loveland and houses 590 students. A design charrette brought together parents, neighbors, and district staff culminating in a schematic concept centered on east/west wings separated by a glass-lined hallway, allowing for separation of public and educational spaces while doubling as a student gallery. The gallery showcases student projects and artwork through unique cable displays and will help students to connect with, and learn from, their peers.

North and south facing windows create optimal daylighting conditions for both portions of the building. The north wing houses administrative offices, the Pre-K and Kindergarten suites, a gymnasium, and cafeteria. The south wing houses classrooms for 1st through 8th grades, as well as over 4,500 square feet of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) space, which will be used to facilitate 21st century and project-based learning goals.

IBE’s Role

IBE has provided guidance through sustainability research and consulting, facilitation of the integrated design process, and LEED assessment and documentation process.

Highlights

  • 59% annual energy savings
  • 20% water use reduction
  • 50% of the construction waste was diverted from the landfill
  • 22% recycled/salvaged materials
  • 90% of the regularly occupied spaces are daylight
  • 100% of the building’s electricity is offset by the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs)

 

Location: 4255 Buffalo Mountain Drive, Loveland, CO

Certification: LEED Gold Certification

Project Type: K-12 Elementary/Middle School

Owner: Thompson School District

Architect: RB+B Architects

Contractor: Saunders Construction

Client: Thompson School District

Other Project Links: High Plains Pre-K-8 School and TSD High Plains School