Pierce Terrace Elementary School, Fort Jackson

RTM Engineering Consultants designed the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, information technology and security systems for a new pre-k through 2nd grade school totaling approximately 73,942 square feet.

The Fort Jackson replacement school is designed based on 21st century school learning concepts, promoting collaboration, problem-solving and innovation throughout the entire school. Features include classrooms grouped into learning neighborhoods, central gathering areas surrounded by learning studios, information technology center, gymnasium, performance theatre, commons area for dining and social networking, an energy dashboard that will monitor the energy use from each classroom, learning impaired rooms, counseling areas, and administrative offices. The outdoor learning areas feature: solar panel, wind turbine, student garden with a rain-catching barrel, and butterfly garden. The school is LEED Silver certified and constructed using the design-build delivery method. The design meets ATFP standards.

The primary HVAC system is a water-source loop connected to a cooling tower, boilers, and a distributed water source heat pump (WSHP) system. Discrete instruction spaces are zoned with a dedicated WSHP unit. WSHP units are high-efficiency, incorporating variable speed ECM blower motor and variable speed compressors ranging in sizes depending on space heating and cooling loads. All HVAC systems are incorporated into the building automation system (BAS) utilizing a DDC control system. The BAS will interface with the base-wide control system as well as interface with Superintendent’s Office at Fort Stewart, GA.

The building is provided with a new domestic water service extending from the site domestic water main. Included were reduced and low water consumption plumbing fixtures and high efficiency gas-fired water heaters. A new natural gas service was provided to serve all gas fired equipment within the building and extended from the site natural gas utility and was given a private gas meter with connection to the BAS.

The interior and exterior lighting is high efficiency LED fixtures. Lighting is 45% better than ASHRAE standards which will help reduce the mechanical cooling load requirements. The LED fixtures have reduced maintenance requirements and greater durability and sustainability compared to fluorescent fixtures. The rooms with exterior windows have occupancy sensors with multi zone control and automatic daylighting dimming controls. The rooms without exterior walls have occupancy sensors with multi zone control.

The new building was provided with a fully engineered, wet pipe fire sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13 and UFC 3-600-01 for all applicable occupancy loadings and classifications. The sprinkler service main is provided with an exterior post indicator valve with a tamper switch reporting to the fire alarm control panel (FACP).

The facility incorporates a hands-on STEM-based learning program beyond the classroom and throughout the entire campus. Key features include smart walls featuring learning graphics and digital information boards; A/V systems including resource monitoring dashboards, climate impact and energy resources used between neighborhoods; small photovoltaic system and wind turbine, which expose students to renewable energy, showing firsthand how power is produced and consumed.

The vehicle gate is Magnetic Access XL 2/ XXL and includes a dual level control station that allows the gate to be controlled from various locations. Access control system includes proximity card readers at the main exterior doors, one exterior door of each neighborhood, service gate, the telecommunications rooms, and four administration suite doors. An under-counter duress button at the main administration reception desk will alert installation emergency services during an active shooter situation (with phone outage, or no time to dial 911.)