Revitalized Spaces at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School

The renovation of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS), Cambridge, Mass., has earned LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The design for this 400,000-square-foot high school fulfills the city’s ambitious sustainability goals through substantial reductions in energy consumption and water use, and significant increases in indoor environmental quality, natural ventilation and daylighting.

The sustainable design strategy for the three-building complex, which was constructed in 1932 and expanded in 1978, includes a chilled-beam HVAC system and a rooftop photovoltaic array. These retrofits, coupled with high-efficiency lighting fixtures and daylighting, contribute to the school’s net energy savings, lowering operating costs by more than $335,000 annually, and reducing energy use by more than 1.3 million KWh of electricity and nearly 44,000 therms of natural gas.

In addition to refreshing classrooms and corridors with new windows, flooring and wall finishes, the renovation enlivens common areas and provides clear circulation and more internal transparency. Technology enhancements bring the library and classrooms to modern standards. The redesigned science core includes larger labs, and the theater is redesigned and equipped for live broadcasts.

Monitors in the lobby displaying real-time energy data and a small rooftop garden tie environmental stewardship to the curriculum. Beneath the playground for the school’s on-site daycare center, a rainwater collection tank stores runoff from the roof and is used to irrigate the landscaping, eliminating potable water use.

HMFH Architects, Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) is architect for the project.