Built for learning, Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) Condit Elementary School encompasses student-centered learning spaces, integrated technology and sustainable design elements all to support the modern-day academic environment. The 83,000 square foot, two-story transformational learning facility replaces a school that has served the Bellaire, Texas community for over a century.
Seating nooks are tucked into the building’s curved walls, which boast the school’s statement colors – bright green and blue. Inside are more than 25 learning centers (classrooms) and multiple wet labs with outdoor access serving pre-K through 5th grade. The classrooms open directly into a centralized learning common (Library/Media Center) while the outdoor learning spaces are also easily accessible. Multipurpose and dining areas can be combined through a movable partition. In keeping with the 21st century design, abundant natural light can be found throughout the campus.
CBRE | Heery worked hand in hand with the local Bellaire community to assure their new school was planned, designed and constructed in accordance with the school’s guiding principles while also leveling a design reflective school’s rich history and traditions.
Condit Elementary School has won several industry awards since its completion in 2016 and recently was awarded a LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Building Council – a significant accomplishment considering sustainability was fundamental in HISD’s vision for the new school building.
The design and construction incorporates several elements recognized for contributing to a healthier and more productive environment for students and staff, including low-emitting materials, daylighting in classrooms, and controllable system lighting along with high-efficiency air conditioning and heating systems.
The project’s optimized energy performance has achieved an energy cost savings of 43% with a projected annual savings of 633,418 kWh of electricity. The project also achieved a water reduction rate of 43% through the use of water efficient fixtures and landscaping.
Contributing to the school’s sustainable performance is the site itself as it fosters community connectivity by offering proximity to public transportation options, bike storage and walkable routes.
The Condit Elementary School project was included in HISD’s 2012 Bond Program to address growth in Bellaire, a suburb of Houston. It is among 24 HISD schools that are LEED certified and among 40 campuses being renovated or rebuilt. For this $24.3 million project, 750 student capacity school, CBRE | Heery provided program management and LEED consulting services. The firm’s Houston-based project team coordinated the activities of the architects, various consultants and general contractors and was responsible for the project being delivered on time and within budget to HISD’s quality standards.