Project overview:This Zero Net Energy Middle & High School is a transformative educational hub that relieves overcrowding, replaces outdated facilities, and sets a new standard for sustainability and community integration. The project consolidates middle and high school students into one forward-thinking campus, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and academic synergies.
Situated along Clay Pit Pond, the school converts a former industrial site into a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly landscape. Conventional infrastructure was replaced with green spaces and outdoor commons, seamlessly extending learning beyond the classroom while restoring ecological health.
At the heart of the building is a dynamic interior street—a light-filled central spine that encourages interaction, showcases student work, and reinforces a sense of community. Biophilic design principles and abundant daylight connect students and faculty to nature, enhancing well-being and creativity.
At 445,100 GSF, the school is one of the largest Net Zero Energy public buildings in the nation. A rooftop photovoltaic array, geothermal field, super-insulated envelope, and efficient daylighting strategies eliminate fossil fuel use, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. This achievement was made possible through close collaboration with the community and its municipal power company, reflecting shared values of stewardship and resilience.
Sustainability extends to material choices, prioritizing lifecycle durability, FSC certification, low embodied carbon, and low VOCs. Every element—from site organization to interior finishes—embodies a commitment to environmental responsibility and community pride.
The new Zero Net Energy Middle & High School exemplifies how design, innovation, and collaboration can shape vibrant, sustainable places of learning and community life.
Project location: Belmont, Massachusetts
Firm name:Perkins&Will
Architect of Record:Kari Scullin
Completion: 2024
Client: Town of Belmont, Massachusetts School Building Authority
Jury comments:Understated and elegant, this large middle and high school doesn’t overwhelm with exuberant spaces. It welcomes elegant neutrality, allowing students’ individuality to flourish. Net-zero performance, narrow forms for natural lighting, and well-designed, full spaces make this a model school. Really good architecture.
Images/Photographer(s):Chuck Choi; Perkins&Will Civil Engineer:Nitsch Engineering, David Conway Structural:Engineers Design Group, Inc., Mehul Dhruv Mechanical:Bala TMP Consulting Engineers, Inc., Ed Dolan; IMEG, Robin Greenleaf Electrical:Bala TMP Consulting Engineers, Inc., Ed Dolan; IMEG, Robin Greenleaf Plumbing:Bala TMP Consulting Engineers, Inc., Ed Dolan; IMEG, Robin Greenleaf Acoustics:Acentech, Rose Mary Su Landscaping:Warner Larson, Inc., David Warner Lighting:HLB Lighting Design, Carrie Hawley Traffic Engineering: Nelson\Nygaard, Alyson Fletcher Energy Modeling: AKF Group, LLC, Jeff Rios Theater Consultant: Next Stage Design, LLC, Gene Leitermann
