Fully-equipped learning space opens in time for the first day of school
Boston, MA – September 09, 2008 – Pine Point School’s youngest students will take their first educational steps in a brand new space this fall, thanks to a new building by Shawmut Design and Construction (www.shawmut.com), a leading national construction management firm. Along with Mount Vernon Group Architects, Shawmut completed the school’s DeMovick Early Childhood Center in Stonington, Conn. on a fast-track summer schedule. The Early Childhood Center is Phase 3 of a program Pine Point has envisioned to create the best possible learning environment for their students. The team completed the new space on an accelerated schedule to allow the 2007 National School of Character to open for the first day of class, as planned, on September 8.
With eight new classrooms completed in total, Shawmut added 4,000 square feet of out-of-the-ground construction for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms and renovated another 3,500 square feet of space dedicated to the school’s first and second grades. Two full kitchens and bathrooms complete the project scope. Students and teachers will be afforded increased collaborative space in order to enhance a coherent, centralized and flexible early childhood program for their early education program.
In order to maintain the schedule, Shawmut worked closely with the owner and architect to finalize details (such as custom finishes, hardware and other fixtures), in an efficient, collaborative manner. Through flexibility and cooperation, the project team was able to resolve construction issues quickly as well as accommodate scope additions, such as the inclusion of radiant heating into the concrete slab, without affecting the schedule. Shawmut modified several exterior features of the existing building, including converting a straight gable roof into a hip roof, and adding a cupola, which pours natural light into the building. Other project challenges included working in close proximity to an occupied classroom, and completing mechanical enabling work to replace elements of the school’s infrastructure in preparation for the new addition.
“I have learned that effective design and construction, as with learning in schools, is a distinctly human exercise: talented people working together toward a common goal,” said Pine Point Head of School Paul Geise. “Pine Point’s success stems from a rich tradition of active, open, and forward-thinking partnerships established among its constituencies. Shawmut has been a dynamic partner throughout this process.”
Pine Point School feels passionately about sustainability, and under the guidance of Shawmut’s experts, was able to incorporate several green elements into their plan. From purchasing LEED®-rated building materials, source-separating waste and installing environmentally-friendly carpeting and Energy Star-rated appliances, the project team turned the owner’s vision of ecological stewardship into a reality.
This latest project is Shawmut’s third with Pine Point School, reaffirming its connection with the school and helping to solidify Shawmut as a leading builder for Southern New England academic institutions. In the two earlier phases of this work, Shawmut completed the school’s Library and Technology Center, as well as classroom upgrades. Looking ahead, Shawmut will work with Pine Point to continue this trend with the construction an innovative new learning center. A sampling of Shawmut’s other independent school clients in New England includes: the Moses Brown School, St. George’s School and Noble and Greenough School.
About Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Boston with offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and New Haven. Shawmut is a leading ENR top 100-ranked national construction management firm providing client-oriented services in the following markets: Academic, Commercial, Corporate Interiors, Cultural and Historic Preservation, Healthcare and Science, Gaming, Restaurants, Retail, Spas and Health Clubs. For more information, visit Shawmut’s website at www.shawmut.com.
