The East Somerville Community School’s new look will be modern, while incorporating natural elements such as a vegetated green roof and plenty of natural sunlight.

By Harry Kane

The East Somerville Community School located at 115 Pearl St. is set for its grand opening just days after New Years in January of 2013. They have maintained the original structure or shell of the building that was constructed in 1972 and are now in the final stages of cleanup. Michael Marcella, the Senior Project Manager of Gilbane Building Company stated, “Reconstruction of this Community School begins in three weeks.” For now there appears to be a lull as the demolition comes to a halt and the bidding for trade contractors begins.

The institution will accommodate the same number of students; approximately 585 students will be admitted when the K-8 elementary school reopens. “The exterior looks somewhat similar,” says Lynn Stapleton the Senior Architect of the redesigned school.  In the meeting at the Capuano Early Childhood Center, just up the street from the School, Lynn Stapleton pointed to the schematics as she talked about the new design. “What we are looking to create is a sustainable building with increased energy efficiency. We introduced design features like rainwater

ESCS main entry.

harvesting and solar panels.” The goal is to reduce the use of water in the building by 30 percent and raise the building’s energy performance by 35 percent. The new façade features a combination of metal, wood, and stone panel veneer on the outside of the building, a fully vegetated green roof that can be seen from the second floor, and translucent shimmering blue skylights bringing in natural light. Other eco forward measures such as a wind turbine and a school garden are also being incorporated into the newly designed community school.