JLGA’s design for the PS-85Q New School Annex in Queens, NY, a 68,000 sq.ft. freestanding facility, aims to provide an innovative, sustainable learning environment for over 400 students. The building includes classrooms for Pre-K through grade 5, a cafeteria, and a gym-auditorium, all tailored to enhance both educational function and student experience. The design emphasizes a bright, welcoming interior with vibrant finishes and a striking mural in the entry lobby, reinforcing the facility’s purpose while fostering school spirit.

Sustainability was a core focus of the project, with the goal of making the annex the most energy-efficient school in Queens. Working closely with the NYC School Construction Authority, JLGA implemented a range of energy-saving strategies, including a high-performance building envelope, optimized HVAC systems, and cutting-edge photovoltaic panels on the roof, expected to supply up to 50% of the building’s energy. The design also prioritizes carbon reduction, using advanced materials and systems to minimize energy consumption and embodied carbon, positioning the project as a model of environmental responsibility.

The building’s four-story design is a careful response to the site’s urban context, with a division between a teaching wing and a public-space wing that maximizes functionality and flexibility. Cost efficiency remained a key consideration, with only a slight increase in construction costs to accommodate advanced insulation and mechanical systems for energy efficiency. The PS-85Q Annex not only meets the educational needs of the community but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable school architecture, blending innovative design with a commitment to a carbon-neutral future.