North Andover, Ma – Nauset Construction announced the completion of Chace House, a 22-bedroom dormitory at the Brooks School in North Andover, an independent college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12. The new dormitory, completed in late summer was named in honor of Kim Chace ’52, a longtime trustee and supporter of the school. The Chace House features a number of sustainable elements that were conceived with the help of a student initiative focused on reducing the school’s environmental impact. “Our mission at Brooks School is to provide students with the most meaningful educational experience they will have in their lives,” Brooks School Head John R. Packard said at the dorm’s recent dedication ceremony.
In the summer of 2011, students working at the Brooks Institute for Sustainability, a student summer program, were focused on finding ways of reducing the School’s environmental impact as part of their curriculum. Their plan included sustainable elements in the dormitory’s design which the school administration and design team considered, including a composting waste treatment system and Nepon 3-ounce foam-flush toilets in the final specifications for Chace House.
In addition, the dormitory features a 97.5 percent efficient heating system with a natural gas-fired burner; a high-efficiency building envelope with superior insulation to prevent energy loss; individual room thermostats with an automated system that can be programmed remotely; energy management systems with occupancy sensors; a cupola that releases warm air on hot days; drought tolerant native exterior plantings and water-efficient landscaping; solar lighting tubes in hallways that create natural day lighting; and low-flow water facilities (including the composting toilets) to reduce the sewage bills.
The project was fast-tracked in 11-months to accommodate the living requirements of the incoming fall class. “This project was a prime example of what we at Nauset do best – detailed construction on an occupied and operational academic campus with a focus on providing creative ways to reduce environmental impact,” said Nauset president, Anthony Papantonis