Join the IES Boston and Rhode Island Section for a tour of the new Annie E. Fales Elementary School. The Annie E. Fales Elementary School sets a precedent for energy-efficient design in educational facilities as the first net-positive energy public school in New England. Sited along a steep hill overlooking scenic views, the new Fales Elementary School reflects its local ecology in a child-centric educational environment that promotes curiosity and hands-on learning. The design embraces this challenging sloped site as an opportunity to improve building performance and demonstrate environmental stewardship. The facility maintains a compact footprint comprised of only two floors to enable natural light to reach all teaching spaces. Design elements inspired by the school’s natural setting are present throughout, encouraging students to actively engage with their surroundings and instilling an appreciation for the environment.

Geothermal wells, photovoltaic panels attached to sawtooth roof monitors, triple glazed fenestrations, and highly insulated exterior walls and roof are some of the strategies and features employed to achieve the net-zero energy goal. Artificial lighting was thoughtfully designed to complement the daylighting of the spaces. Specialized lighting controls were employed to minimize the energy used by the artificial lights. Please join us on Tuesday, November 15 at 5:00 to tour the facility and learn more about this energy efficient elementary school.

The tour will be led by Caitlin Osepchuk of HMFH Architects and Justin Brown and Penn Whitlow of Lam Partners. (Featured Photo Credit – Ed Wonsek)