Grosse Pointe Academy
Additional Info
Award Winner : Innovative Modular Solutions, Inc.
Architectural Excellence : Grosse Pointe Academy is a pre-K to 8th grade school founded in 1885. Students are educated in historically significant buildings dating to 1887. The heavily wooded, Harvard like setting is nestled among 100+ year old trees & multi-million dollar estates. Students pay tuition to attend GPA. An architectural challenge was to provide high quality facilities for the entire school population while renovations occurred. IMS installed 33 “school quality” designed, portable modules configured in 3 complexes, providing 30,000 sf of educational space. Additionally, the modular units were installed on an extremely tight site, without disturbing a single tree or the “Nun’s walk”, which is a tree lined walk that borders two of the three modular buildings. Hardipanel exterior walls & attractive wood decks provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A welcome, abundance of natural light streams into large windows. Perimeter lighting illuminates the exterior, providing added security.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Multi classroom complexes reduced site construction costs (electrical, fire alarm, plumbing, foundations & decks, steps & ramps) by approx. 40%. Energy efficient features minimize operational costs. Bard Heat Pumps with CO2 sensors operate the CRV and White Rogers digital-set back thermostats insure quiet, comfortable, consistent air flow and optimal air quality. All classrooms are prepped for data and security systems. Anti-bacterial carpeting is used in each classroom and “wet” areas include commercial vinyl roll goods with the corridors, cafeteria and reception areas featuring colorful vinyl composition tile. The cafeteria is a 2 module open unit with kitchen equipment on one side of the corridor and student seating on the other side. All rooms include cost effective, easy- to-maintain, vinyl-covered gypsum walls. Neighbors & parents compliments include, “the modulars have exceeded expectations and provide an excellent educational environment for these students.”
Design Firm Name : Stevens Architects
Occupied Date : 8/7/2006
Production Start Date : 6/21/2006
Project Location City : Grosse Pointe Farms
Project Location State Name : MI
Technical Innovation : GPA sought to renovate & update its facilities in the most cost effective manner possible, while maintaining a quality education program. The construction company estimated 2 yrs on site, using the conventional method of shifting students from one part of the building to another while completing work. GPA staff discussed student safety & noise disruption with construction occurring in school with students present. IMS presented a modular alternative using IMS “school quality” specified used buildings that would provide excellent educational facilities with an aesthetically pleasing appearance, low costs of installation, operation & maintenance. Educating students in modular complexes shortened site construction renovation time to one year. Setting the buildings on temporary wood piers saved additional time & money while preserving the soccer field where two of the three buildings are located. Teardown from another site to GPA staff occupancy took only 6 weeks.
Total Square Feet : 29865