When the Spring Independent School District (SISD) began planning to construct its newest elementary building, the administrators’ primary focus was sticking to a proven, budget-conscious design. However, school leaders quickly discovered that smart architectural planning, coupled with the right combination of contractors and materials, could allow the school to be completed on budget, utilizing the latest sustainable trends and building methods.
Working with architectural firm SHW Group, SISD’s administration designed the 105,000-square-foot Gloria Marshall Elementary School in Spring Texas, which was built by Purcell Construction and completed in September 2010. The building features numerous sustainable elements that promote both conservation and energy efficiency. Successfully securing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the school has also been designed to earn an Energy Star rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and was bestowed a Houston American Institute of Architects award in 2011.