Many design decisions were driven by the principles of energy use reduction. The choice of brick as the major façade material for the new wing and limited glazing throughout contributed to the low energy consumption aspirations of the project. Insulating the existing historic building, while challenging, was an important aspect of the design team’s goal to reach an expected EUI of 21. The use of renewable energy systems such as geothermal wells significantly reduced energy usage for the building and automated energy saving technologies were employed throughout to further reduce energy consumption. On-site renewable energy is provided through photovoltaic panels covering most roof areas and independent solar structures over the parking area.

The design of Raymond Elementary emphasizes creating strong connections between people, each other, and the natural  environment. Designed to meet WELL standards, the building is  organized around a central play courtyard with convenient access from multiple locations with the building. Major building programs such as the Cafeteria, new Gym, and Library all receive borrowed light and have strong view connections to this courtyard, making the interior of the school always feel very connected to the outdoors. This central courtyard also serves to improve school safety and security by creating a protected outdoor space where faculty can easily monitor the children and ensure their safety.

We embarked on a journey to modernize and expand the historic Raymond Elementary School, and our efforts were transformative. The design now accommodates 590 students as of the 2023-24 school year and features a new wing housing a gymnasium, library, and classrooms, along with an enhanced entry sequence. Our sustainability commitment shines through with LEED Gold and Net Zero Energy certifications as our targets. Over 100 geothermal wells, solar canopies, and energy-efficient systems were integrated to achieve this goal, all while meticulously preserving the historical integrity of the building.

Sustainability was a central theme, with our commitment to achieving Net Zero Energy requirements evident in every aspect of our design. Our focus extended to upgrading MEP systems, modernizing infrastructure, and even addressing the challenge of limited space for renewable energy installations.

Introducing this new program within an urban setting posed a formidable challenge. The 1920s historical building, a cherished landmark, added complexity to the equation. Navigating these intricacies necessitated close collaboration with the Historic Preservation Office.

To realize our objectives and address these challenges, our plan was bold yet respectful. We proposed the demolition of the 1966 school wing, replacing it with a larger, 50,000 square-foot wing that would house a state-of-the-art gymnasium. This approach minimized disruption to the historic building, ensuring its legacy while serving the evolving needs of the school community.

Engaging stakeholders and the community was integral to the renovation process. We sought to gain support for our efforts while changing materials to match the original, preserving the building's authentic character.