Who designed the new Sandy Hook School, and what is their ethos?

The new Sandy Hook School was designed by Svigals + Partners, a respected architectural firm in Connecticut. Their ethos revolves around creativity, collaboration, compassion, and gratitude, reflecting in their designs. They value asking over telling and wonder over knowing.

What wood siding materials were used for the Sandy Hook School's front facade?

The architects chose Mataverde FSC® certified hardwoods, specifically Garapa and Machiche hardwood siding. These sustainably harvested species from responsibly managed forests created a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the school's front.

Who oversaw the rain screen installation at Sandy Hook School?

Consigli Construction served as the construction manager for this project. The skilled team at GDS Contracting Corp. of Berlin, Connecticut, known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, executed the rain screen installation.

Climate-Shield Rainscreen at Sandy Hook School: A Tale of Resilience

Q: What is the significance of the children's artwork on the building's front facade?

In a testament to Svigals' inclusive and collaborative design style, artwork from the schoolchildren was etched into the wood beneath many of the windows on the building's front façade, symbolizing the community's involvement in the project.

In the wake of the tragic events that shook Sandy Hook Elementary School, hope has blossomed anew, not just within the local community but across the entire nation. The old school, reminiscent of a phoenix, has been replaced by a new establishment that stands as a symbol of resilience and unity. The esteemed architects at Svigals + Partners, renowned for their work in Connecticut, particularly in school design, were chosen to breathe life into this profound project with a heartwarming and meaningful design.

The ethos of Svigals + Partners reflects a commitment to creativity, collaboration, and compassion. They champion gratitude, respect, and the value of questions over directives, embracing wonder over certainty, all in pursuit of prosperous and compassionate communities. It’s not just talk; their actions in bringing the new Sandy Hook School to life exemplify these values.

In the early stages of design in 2014, the task was to develop a vertical rainscreen system around a curved wall for a significant school project in Connecticut. True to their philosophy, the Svigals + Partners team engaged in a highly collaborative manner, impressing us with their process. When we discovered that this project was none other than the new Sandy Hook School, it deeply touched our hearts.

The Climate-Shield® Rain Screen System™ was the chosen exterior façade solution due to its versatility, sustainability, reliability, and ease of installation. While Climate-Shield has been employed in various educational institutions across the United States, its use in a project of such spiritual and community importance is a distinctive honor.

The incorporation of natural wood siding materials on the building’s front fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The architects envisioned the curved front façade extending like open arms, embracing the children as they enter, a vision splendidly realized.

When selecting the wood siding species, the team considered multiple options, eventually choosing two Mataverde FSC® certified (Forest Stewardship Council®) hardwoods: Mataverde® Garapa and Machiche hardwood siding. Both these durable species are sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests. The golden tones of Garapa rain screen siding adorn the lower portion of the vertical design, while the chocolaty brown Machiche rain screen cladding serves as an accent at the top of the façade.

Consigli Construction, the construction manager for this project, oversaw the rain screen installation with precision. GDS Contracting Corp. of Berlin, Connecticut, known for their extensive experience in diverse projects, executed the rain screen installation with remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail. In a true testament to Svigals’ inclusive and collaborative design approach, artwork created by schoolchildren was etched into the wood beneath many of the windows on the building’s front façade.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to the families and community of Newtown, CT, the dedicated design and construction teams, and all those who contributed to making this remarkable project a reality. In the face of an unimaginable tragedy, a new school has emerged, ready to welcome all who enter.