New Sustainable Science Classroom

IMEG provided structural engineering services for the single-story, sustainable science classroom built in conjunction with Devcon Architecture on the Walden West campus of Santa Clara County Office of Education. As a part of the Walden West campus – which strives to immerse students in the world of science and the environment – the new 3,600 square feet building was designed to provide a teaching tool for sustainable materials and practices while demonstrating their functions within the building. Large glulam beams were used to span the building in order to provide an open area for flexible usage at the school and take advantage of a wall of roll up doors to engage the outside environment as well. Reaching a LEED Gold rating, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood usage throughout the project, roof-covering photovoltaic solar cells, and radiant floor heating were some of the green technology methods used throughout the project. In an attempt to mitigate issues and waste in the field, close coordination with Revit was employed throughout all stages of the project.