Located in the historic Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, the Jefferson-Houston School serves 450 Pre-K - 8th graders. The project was developed in partnership with local VMDO architects. Concordia was responsible for creating the projects’s interior layouts and exterior look and feel - driven by local precedents and preferences established in the Concordia led community engagement “co-design” process.
![Concordia Project Photo](https://concordia.com/wp-content/uploads/jefferson-houston-1.jpg)
The building references local historic architecture to create a context appropriate, contemporary educational facility that reflects the innovative mission of the school district. The cylindrical main entrance tower creates a new landmark, and a roof deck provides views to significant cultural features like the nearby historic Masonic Temple. The new school is also a teaching tool with architectural “manifestations” where students can learn how the building works.
![Concordia Project Photo](https://concordia.com/wp-content/uploads/Kittner_20150511_1589-scaled-e1650386136471.jpg)
Energy efficiency and environmental responsibility were major goals, and the school earned LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features include on site stormwater management, water efficient landscaping, and a large cistern to capture rainwater for reuse. Inside, the school has energy efficient HVAC and plumbing, low VOC emitting interior finishes and materials, LED lighting, and enhanced acoustical design elements.
![Concordia Project Photo](https://concordia.com/wp-content/uploads/jefferson-houston-3.jpg)