TWENHOFEL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sustainable Design Project
Kenton County, KY
| Owner | Kenton County School District |
| Size | 112,000 gsf |
| Completed | On the boards; 2006 (est) |
KEY STRUCTURAL CHALLENGE
- Optimize the framing layout due to large glass dormers for natural light to classrooms, gymnasium, and cafeteria
- Integrate various slopes and surfaces
STRUCTURE The single level, two-wing structure sits upon shallow spread footings, with masonry bearing walls and fabricated steel trusses.
FACILITIES The structure includes classrooms, library, gymnasium, and other common areas. Classrooms are separated from other areas by a 14-foot wide mall corridor, to allow for the common areas to function independently during and after school hours.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design items include: Geothermal heating system aids the HVAC process; rainwater from gutters is collected in a large underground water storage tank and used to irrigate the ball fields and to flush toilets; and roof solar panels minimize outside electrical usage. The GOP Limited-designed space is lit primarily by natural light from roof dormers with a band of glass; the roof's slope changes to maximize interior natural light.
Photo courtesy of Robert Ehmet Hayes & Associates
