Math & Science Center

Nestled in the heart of New York State, Millbrook School's Math & Science Center stands as a beacon of modern educational architecture. Situated in the scenic Hudson Valley, the school is known for its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in academic facilities. This groundbreaking center is poised to be the first on campus to integrate sustainable design principles comprehensively, with the aim of achieving the esteemed LEED Gold Rating. This certification would mark the building as one of the pioneering educational structures in the state, setting a new standard for green architecture in academic institutions.

The Math & Science Center spans an impressive 25,000 square feet, designed meticulously to meet the diverse needs of Millbrook's 250 students. It features specialized science laboratories, independent project areas, and classrooms dedicated to mathematics, alongside an IT suite and faculty offices. The inclusion of a free-standing greenhouse is a testament to the school's dedication to hands-on learning. Large windows adorn each learning space, ensuring that natural light, a vital component for energy efficiency and a conducive learning environment, permeates every corner. This design is augmented by high-efficiency lighting systems equipped with daylight harvesting sensors and dimming ballasts, ensuring optimal energy use.

Central to the center's design is its state-of-the-art mechanical systems, which underscore its commitment to sustainability. The building harnesses a geothermal heating and cooling system, employing sixteen 500-foot closed-loop wells to facilitate efficient thermal energy transfer. This system drastically cuts down on operational costs compared to conventional HVAC systems. The building also embraces natural ventilation during milder seasons and ingeniously captures solar energy for warmth in colder months. Its standing-seam metal roof is treated to reduce heat absorption, enhancing energy efficiency during summer.

Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the Math & Science Center's design. The roof is a hub of green technology, featuring a solar hot water heating system and photovoltaic cells that produce electricity for the facility. A display in the main foyer educates students and visitors about the building's solar energy generation. Water conservation is prioritized with a rainwater collection system feeding an interior cistern, visible from the main staircase. Restrooms are equipped with eco-friendly flushless urinals, and a vegetated roof over the science corridor adds to the building's green credentials.

The interior design mirrors Millbrook School's environmental ethos, with natural materials such as concrete flooring, slate, wool carpeting, and wood fiber ceilings. Low VOC paints and FSC-certified woods further enhance the building's sustainable character. By prioritizing natural light and views, each learning space is designed to offer an enriched educational experience. This thoughtful design ensures that all classrooms, labs, and offices are bathed in daylight, fostering an inspiring atmosphere for learning. Interestingly, the Hudson Valley has been home to many famous individuals, including the iconic Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spent much of his life in this beautiful region.

Read also about the Affordable, Sustainable & Inclusive: KİPTAŞ İzmit Çınar Housing Project project