Based on population growth and construction of single-family and multi-family homes in the far northeast corner of their District, Denver Public Schools (DPS) saw a need for a new ECE-8th grade school. The community’s immediate needs were for ECE-5th grade classes, so the project was divided into phases to address this first. Funding for this project, among others, was put to the voters through the 2020 General Obligation Bonds.
DLR Group led the architectural design and management of the design team for Ceylon, including the initial programming and facilitation of meetings with stakeholders and community members. On this team, 360 Engineering provided mechanical and plumbing engineering consulting and design services, bringing our knowledge of District needs from past projects while working with DPS and the design team to accomplish new sustainability achievements. One of these accomplishments was 100% electrification, resulting in a highly energy-efficient school with minimal site-produced carbon. These efficiencies were achieved through close coordination with the architect, the DPS Energy Efficiency Specialist, and other stakeholders. 360 provided several mechanical system alternatives, including coordinating soil conductivity testing through a third-party consultant to determine the feasibility of a geothermal heat pump system. By explaining the pros and cons of each system alternative, working with DLR’s energy modeling group to estimate the operating efficiencies of each alternative, and working with the contractor to estimate capital costs for each alternative, 360 and the team facilitated and guided DPS in choosing a Variable Air Volume Air-Source Heat Pump Air Handler system with exhaust energy recovery that best meets the District’s goals for energy efficiency, electrification, maintainability, and construction budget.
Swinerton Builders broke ground on the new school in early 2023, and the first phase was completed in the Summer of 2024 in time for the fall semester. The school opened under its new name, “RASA,” which stands for Responsive Arts and STEAM Academy FNE.
We are excited about our participation in designing a school that will hopefully become a model for future DPS facilities and other districts in the area. Learn more here.
