Ann Richards Middle School

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—Satterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) completed construction of the new Ann Richards Middle School for the Dallas Independent School District.

Designed by PBK Architects, the 184,000-square-foot school is an environmentally sustainable facility for 1,250 students in grades six through eight.

The school was designed and built according to environmental standards developed by the Texas Collaborative for High Performance Schools, which require the incorporation of energy efficiency, conservation and design features that foster responsible use of resources. The site’s steep topography provided the opportunity to maximize multi-story and multi-level design.

The geothermal heating and cooling system will dramatically reduce energy usage. Dallas ISD expects the system will save 35 percent on utility bills compared to a typical school.

Sunshades, light shelves and intelligent lighting controls also contribute to energy efficiency. The use of materials with low-emitting volatile organic compounds – including adhesives, paint, carpet and VCT tile – reduce unhealthy emissions into the atmosphere. The “cool roof” with reflective coating helps to reduce heat gain in the building.

Technology is at the forefront in the school, including high-tech classrooms and computer labs, irrigation control sensors, and highly efficient computerized lighting fixtures and controls. Outdoor spaces, which are also accessible and usable by the community, include a football/soccer field, softball/baseball field, tennis courts and outdoor basketball/volleyball court.

The project addressed the needs of the community by relieving two overcrowded middle schools that were nearly 60 years old and will serve the east Dallas neighborhood for many years to come. The school is named for Ann Richards, the former Governor of Texas.