Awards
- 2017 American Architecture Award
One of the first buildings in the United States to use cross-laminated timber (CLT) for its main structure.
Common Ground High School, one of the first charter schools in Connecticut, opened in 1997 with a curriculum focused on the environment. On 20 acres of city park land, the School combines urban agriculture and sustainable land-management practice in an innovative curriculum serving high school students as well as the local community.
The project called for a new building that would integrate current ecological concepts and building technologies, and advance environmental learning and leadership. The $7.5 million building – the nation’s first building to use cross-laminated timber (CLT) as a “stressed skin” assembly – houses a gymnasium, laboratories, communal areas, classrooms, and multi-purpose spaces for school assemblies, theater productions, and recreational activities. Altieri-designed systems honoring key Common Ground missions – low-impact practices, efficient use of resources, minimization of environmental impact – included a closed loop well system for producing chilled and hot water, computerized DDC system with web-based interface, low ambient noise, segregation of systems based on program and occupancy, incoming single-phase electric service, metering, and distribution, on-site energy production and storm water treatment, natural illumination, and passive ventilation. IT systems work included telephone and data cabling, electronic support equipment, and infrastructure requirements.
