PS 62 Net Zero School

On a rolling hill in Staten Island, we approached the challenge to design a zero-energy public school first as an environmental one: respond to the surroundings, maximize the site. By first incorporating passive design strategies, like ideal siting, a responsive enclosure system, and optimizing the building's form for both daylight and natural ventilation, our design significantly reduces energy usage even before the introduction of any active systems. Situating the main structure along the east–west axis took advantage of the site's long frontage, and optimizes solar control during summer and winter. Classrooms blocks are varied between one and two-story massings, allowing daylight to penetrate each area, and grouped around generous shared spaces, including an oculus sky-lit gym and library. The resulting design for PS 62 meets the SCA's Net Zero and Net Positive energy goals, and offers a more holistic model for sustainable building.