Media and Technology Charter High School
(MATCH School)
Overview
- Location: Boston, MA
- Building type(s): K-12 education, Multi-unit residential
- 10% new construction, 90% renovation of a historic 1917 building
- 31,500 ft2 (2,930 m2)
- Project scope: 3-story building
- Urban setting
- Completed August 2002
The MATCH School was formally chartered in 1999 and initially operated from a rented location in Brookline. The design process for the new green school began in April 2001 and the project went out to bid in November. Construction started in December and the school assumed occupancy in August 2002.
The 20 kW photovoltaic system was installed in November 2002. The third floor, which was initially left empty, was incorporated into the school as a dormitory for MATCH Corps tutors in August 2004. The dormitory shares the school's building shell, HVAC and lighting systems and was designed by the same project team, so for the purpose of this case study it is considered as a part of the green building.
The MATCH School building is located in an urbanized area of Boston and is an excellent example of renovation and adaptive reuse. MATCH is housed in a local landmark building that was originally built in 1917 as the headquarters for the Lincoln Motor Car Company, and prior to the renovation was occupied by an auto-parts store known as 'Ellis the Rim Man'. The school was the first design and construction project in the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust's green buildings program to reach completion.
Environmental Aspects
From the outset designers and planners sought to build a school that would not only serve as a place to teach but also would introduce students to green design. The school incorporates green building measures ranging from high-efficiency lighting and thermally broken aluminum windows (which resist heat flow more effectively than standard frames) to occupancy sensors and a 20 kW roof top photovoltaic (PV) system.
The PV system has produced approximately 31,500 kWh of electricity, avoiding about 45,045 lbs of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As of the writing of this case study, the school has one of a very few online PV data monitoring systems in Massachusetts that students can use in their school projects. This data can be accessed at http://www.matchschool.org/solar/rtd.html.
The school is located close to a subway station, reducing the need for school buses, which in turn saves fuel, reduces traffic congestion in the area, and lowers personnel costs.
Owner & Occupancy
- Owned by MATCH School Foundation, Corporation, nonprofit
- Occupants: Individual(s)
- Typically occupied by 250 people, 44 hours per person per week; and 100 visitors per week, 1 hour per visitor per week
The school occupies the first two floors on the building. About 35 tutors live in a dormitory on the third floor. The MATCH School has one of the most vigorous tutoring programs in Boston. About 120 tutors work with 9th and 10th graders in four-hour blocks on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends.
Building Programs
Indoor Spaces: |
Conference, Medical treatment, Electrical systems, Classroom, Living quarters, Office, Public assembly, Laboratory, Restrooms, Mechanical systems, Lobby/reception |
Keywords
Integrated team, Training, Simulation, Performance measurement and verification, Transportation benefits, Open space preservation, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Insulation levels, Glazing, HVAC, Lighting control and daylight harvesting, Efficient lighting, On-site renewable electricity, Salvaged materials, Local materials, Daylighting, Thermal comfort, Noise control
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