Aspen Middle School

The Aspen Middle School enhances the Aspen School District’s emphasis on creative classroom learning, outdoor education, and environmental responsibility by replacing an aging and inefficient existing middle school. The clarity of the plan unifies the school campus and creates an appropriate setting for learning, teaching and exploration. Students, teachers and administrators benefit from a more efficient, comfortable and stimulating environment that includes ample day-lighting, improved ventilation, new efficient building and technology systems, better access and security, and views & spaces that connect the building’s users to the surrounding mountain landscape.

Natural light, views and operable windows are provided to all educational spaces. Window openings and sunshade devices respond to the solar orientation, and create a distinctive aesthetic. Wherever possible, sustainable, green materials such as bamboo, recycled content flooring and ceiling tiles are incorporated into the design. In many instances cabinets from the old facility were reused in the new building while all new casework was formaldehyde free. Interior materials use low VOC paints, finishes and adhesives. High efficiency mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems integrate innovative products and techniques such as solar air heating, waterless urinals, occupancy sensors and solar tubes make this the most energy efficient classroom building on the school campus. These strategies result in reducing almost 1 million pounds of CO2 per year, reduce water usage by 40% and reduce amount of storm water runoff by 25%. These contribute to the buildings Gold LEED Certification.