Andover (Mass.) district is constructing a net-zero elementary school

The Andover (Mass.) district plans to build a 170,000-square-foot elementary school to replace an existing facility.

The school will be a net-zero-energy facility that will serve about 130 preschool students and 925 K-5 students, reports Cision PRWeb. 

The new West Elementary School, which will be built behind the existing school, will accommodate growing enrollment in the district as well as give a new home to the town's preschool students who are now housed in an aging building. The new building will have a separate two-story wing for preschool students.

Plans call for modern, flexible educational spaces that promote student collaboration. Classrooms will be clustered by grade level and positioned around a central learning commons.

To encourage nature-based learning, the school will feature a roof garden and boardwalks that take advantage of nearby wetlands. Students will also have access to three wetland areas that surround the school. 

West Elementary School is set for completion in 2024.

Gilbane Building Company is the construction manager, SMMA is the architect and PMA Consultants is the project manager.