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Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a school that not only educates but also inspires through its very fabric? In the dynamic landscape of modern education, school buildings are no longer just structures; they are learning environments, community hubs, and powerful statements about our commitment to the future.
The Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy (RASA) in Denver, Colorado, stands as a beacon in this evolution, redefining what’s possible in sustainable educational construction. This isn't merely a school; it's a living testament to innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of environmental stewardship.
RASA, a transformative project, is the first all-electric school for Denver Public Schools (DPS) and a pioneer in Colorado for its groundbreaking use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction. As DPS spearheads an ambitious climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030, RASA is at the forefront of this initiative.
The journey to RASA’s innovative design wasn’t without its hurdles. Originally, the structural design for the school called for long-span steel joists. However, Swinerton, the general contractor, quickly identified a significant challenge: steel procurement came with a daunting lead time of more than nine months. This presented a critical risk to the project schedule.
Enter mass timber – a game-changer in the construction world. Swinerton, with its longstanding mass timber expertise, brought in Timberlab specialists to explore the feasibility of incorporating mass timber to mitigate these extended lead times.
"Swinerton was fortunate to come onto the OAC team at the concept phase," shares Jade Mercer, Project Executive at Swinerton. "This allowed us to have an impact on the design process by suggesting mass timber be considered as a solution to the long lead times for long span steel joists we were seeing."
The transition wasn't just about speed; it was also about proving cost-effectiveness. While wood was initially more expensive, Timberlab’s analysis revealed that mass timber could be procured much more quickly, shaving two months off the project schedule and significantly reducing general conditions costs. This strategic shift involved replacing long-span steel joists with glued laminated timber (glulam) and CLT decking. To further address long lead times for structural steel, precast concrete was also integrated into the exterior of the main building, contributing to the school’s LEED certification by enhancing thermal efficiency.
RASA isn't just embracing mass timber; it's setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility. As the first all-electric school for DPS, it eliminates gas for heating, air conditioning, and even in its full-service kitchen, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving indoor air quality.
Mass timber, inherently a carbon-negative product, played a pivotal role in this sustainable vision. With a volume of 300 cubic meters of wood products used, the project avoided greenhouse gas emissions of 103 metric tons of carbon dioxide, leading to a total potential carbon benefit of 368 metric tons of carbon dioxide. This deliberate design choice, coupled with sophisticated energy-efficient systems, has reduced the building’s energy use intensity by an impressive 50% compared to similar schools.
Designed to meet rigorous LEED standards, RASA incorporates a suite of green features, including electric vehicle charging stations, LED exterior lighting, low-water landscaping, artificial turf, low-flow water fixtures, and solar panels. Looking ahead, DPS aims to secure 70 to 80% of the school's power from carbon-neutral solar energy in its first year, with an ambitious goal to become the first carbon-neutral school in DPS, powered by 100% solar energy sources in the near future.
Beyond the technical marvels, what truly distinguishes RASA is the palpable feeling within its walls. "Without a doubt the mass timber component is my favorite," shares Jade Mercer. "The building is vibrant and feels alive. There is something about a mass timber school that feels very different from a traditional steel, concrete, and drywall covered building. I find myself stopping often to admire the gym and commons and it is where the students spend the most of their time as well."
The exposed glulam beams and CLT decking in the high-bay spaces, particularly the gymnasium and the commons/cafeteria, are more than structural elements; they are aesthetic statements, providing warmth and a unique tactile experience. As Molly Blakley, Senior Project Architect at DLR Group, describes, "In the early stages of design, there was a client-driven intent to make the building a welcoming space for the community, and the warmth and impact of wood in the commons space is a big part of that. Seeing the community and kids inhabit and enjoy this space is my favorite aspect."
Molly also notes the deliberate design philosophy: "What stood out to me was the intent from Denver Public Schools to manifest a school building that would exemplify their drive for innovation in education. There is flexibility, future-forward thinking, and student-centered ideology designed into every space." The final design features an exposed mass timber vaulted ceiling that gracefully spans an open two-story space, a true architectural highlight.
The successful realization of RASA is a testament to extraordinary collaboration. Swinerton, serving as the general contractor, provided crucial design-assist services during preconstruction, offering invaluable insights on constructability, budget, and scheduling.
"There were challenges in how the precast and mass timber were detailed, and it took a lot of collaboration between DLR Group and Timberlab to make sure this was done correctly," explains Molly Blakley. "We could not have achieved this without the engagement of Swinerton early in the process who connected the team with Timberlab."
This intricate integration of diverse materials—precast, steel, and mass timber—required early and constant coordination between the design team, the district, and the contractor.
"Procurement timelines, detailing, and knowledge of construction tolerances all playing a part in how they come together," Molly adds.
DLR Group led the architectural design and management, also providing structural engineering and interior design services, with LT Engineering supporting structural engineering for specific elements. 360 Engineering, Inc., delivered mechanical and plumbing engineering expertise, instrumental in achieving the school's 100% electrification and energy efficiency goals. Swinerton's self-perform capabilities in areas like concrete slab-on-grade, drywall, framing, and firestopping further helped maintain schedule, maximize budget, and ensure high quality and safety.
RASA has already garnered recognition, receiving the A4LE Rocky Mountain Chapter 2022 Rockies Design Award and a 2025 PCI Design Awards Honorable Mention.
The Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy embodies the future of educational infrastructure. It showcases how innovative construction methods, driven by environmental consciousness and collaborative spirit, can create spaces that are not only high-performing and sustainable but also deeply connected to the well-being and inspiration of their occupants. From overcoming procurement hurdles with intelligent material choices to embracing ambitious energy goals, RASA stands as a powerful model for future DPS facilities and indeed, for school districts nationwide. This project proves that with foresight, partnership, and a commitment to innovation, we can build educational environments that truly sustain ongoing learning – for both our students and our planet.
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