Da Vinci High Performance Classroom

The da Vinci High Performance Music Classroom is a revolutionary, LEED Platinum certified building showcasing the latest innovations in green construction.

More than 150 – 32 watt Solar Save tiles made by Open Energy, are integrated into the roof and wired to an inverter on the building. When combined with a smaller, stand-alone solar system already located at the site, these two solar systems generate 6.3 kW of energy — or enough to provide the 1,490 square-foot building’s electricity needs — making it the first Portland Public School building able to attain Net-Zero energy consumption status.

This building will house a music room, two practice rooms and a small recording studio. It boasts an innovative design that incorporates natural ventilation and day lighting, a high thermal mass due to thick walls and venting at night to regulate heating. It is built with non-toxic, environmentally-friendly building materials and processes. An artistic storm water management system connects to an adjacent rain garden.

The building was designed as a showcase of technologies for future district renovation and new construction projects. More than $100,000 in design, construction and consulting services were donated to the project by the community. The classroom was a 2007 recipient of the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development's Green Investment Fund.