by Brianna Crandall — September 1, 2014—Balfour Beatty Construction was selected by the Oak Park Unified School District to install seven net-zero modular classroom buildings made of single-use containers used for ocean shipping at Oak Park High School. The project marks the first use of this type of modular building approved by the California Division of State Architect.
The $2 million project replaces six 25-year-old temporary classrooms at the high school with seven new permanent classroom buildings. The 960-square-foot buildings are designed and fabricated by GrowthPoint Structures and are made from Intermodal Steel Building Units. The buildings are anticipated to achieve net-zero energy consumption, save 115 tons of landfill waste through the use of using 85% reclaimed material, and use high-performing and energy-efficient systems that reduce monthly utility costs.
Each building features full light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, ductless heating/ventilation/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, floor-to-ceiling windows, and solar panels classifying the buildings as “ultra-green,” and automatically qualifies for 37 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits or 42 Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) credits.
“Installing net-zero classrooms was an obvious choice for us as we strive to achieve a better environment for our students,” said Dr. Tony Knight, superintendent of the Oak Park Unified School District. “Studies show a brighter, healthier space increases test scores, makes learning a better experience for our kids, improves student achievement, and enhances the learning environment. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
This project is part of the Oak Park Measure R Facilities Improvement Program and Construction Management Services, where Balfour Beatty Construction has provided pre-construction and construction management with design-assist services to the district for the past six years.
