Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) of Milwaukee designed the new school on the site of its predecessor, incorporating a number of design methods to meet the district’s sustainability goals. As the first school to earn LEED Platinum certification under the new LEED v4 pilot program, Lake Mills Elementary School can now claim to be one of the greenest schools in the nation, according to a statement by EUA.

EUA joined the project in fall 2011 to assist with pre-referendum planning and design services to address the school’s aging structure and systems and to address overcrowding. To foster community engagement, EUA recommended working with a community-based committee to determine needs as part of a long-term facilities plan, according to a statement by the firm. Based on the feedback gathered, Lake Mills Area School District officials chose to replace the existing elementary school, and an $18.7 million referendum was passed in November 2012 to support the project. Miron Construction of Neenah, Wis., was the project’s builder.

The more than 93,000-square-foot, K-4 school earned LEED Platinum by incorporating a white membrane roof on the gymnasium for reduced solar heat gain and installing solar hot water panels to supplement the traditional water heating equipment. It also includes a photovoltaic array that produces more than 13,000 kWh of energy annually, while a closed-loop geothermal system provides for 100 percent of the school’s heating and cooling needs. Careful attention was also paid to the building envelope, which was designed and built to keep moisture out and to keep conditioned air in.

Outside, a green roof features vegetation trays for water absorption and visual interest as well as acts as a teaching and learning space. Touch screens located throughout the facility provide yet another way for students to interact and learn from the building, which is flooded with natural light thanks to large exterior windows and glass wall sections.

In addition to its latest sustainability honor, Lake Mills Elementary School also received a number of other commendations, including a Green Ribbon Schools Award from the U.S. Department of Education in 2015 and the Se2 (Sustainability Energy Efficiency) Award of Excellence from USGBC Wisconsin in 2015.

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The 140,100-square-foot building underwent a $26 million overhaul, adding a state-of-the-art simulation suite and laboratories, technology-rich classrooms and lecture halls, welcoming gathering spaces and an updated faculty office building. The upgrades were the first significant improvements made to the building since its construction in 1966.

Kahler Slater, with offices in Milwaukee and Madison, Wis., was the architecture firm of record, providing planning, architecture and interior design services. The general contractor was Miron Construction Co. Inc., with a head office in Neenah, Wis.

Among the facility’s notable space, the 3,260-square-foot simulation suite will allow nursing students to gain hands-on experience working in environments that closely mimic those in which they will ultimately practice. Replica hospital spaces — including an inpatient room and a large space that can serve as a single trauma room or two exam rooms — are outfitted with equipment, furnishings and other features similar to those found in area hospitals. A simulation apartment will allow students to practice providing in-home and hospice care. Across the hall are two debriefing rooms where students and faculty can review their performance and progress.

Additionally, a new psychology lab will provide expanded research opportunities, while a foreign language instructional drop-in lab will enable students to study at their convenience. New active learning classrooms will facilitate collaboration among students and faculty, while numerous gathering spaces — from the atrium furnished with tables and comfortable seating to a window bench looking into the simulation center — will encourage interaction and spontaneous meetings.

All classrooms are equipped with modern technology such as touchpad controls for lighting and audio-visual equipment and electrical outlets at each seat in the lecture halls to accommodate student laptops. The original steeply raked lecture “pits” have been replaced by wheelchair-accessible spaces. The center’s faculty office building has also been updated with remodeled conference spaces and new lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, paint and ceilings.

Clow Social Science Center is located in a busy part of the campus, along a pedestrian mall that leads to two neighboring buildings. As such, the building’s main entrance was reconfigured to offer better circulation around and into the building and to provide a dynamic connection between the interior and exterior.

The building has been designed to USGBC LEED Silver standards.
 

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