Sherwood Middle School in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts utilizes a simple technology to add energy efficiency to the structure that achieved credits in the Massachusetts Collaborative for High Performance Schools. That technology is InSpire, a transpired solar collector wall system from ATAS International.

The InSpire panels are 0.032-inch aluminum in a Classic Bronze finish; about 3,800 square feet of the panels were installed by LYMO Construction, Worcester, Mass. The panels were distributed by Beacon Sales, Manchester, N.H.

The concept of InSpire is to preheat outside air before it enters a building, lowering energy consumption and decreasing utility bills. The system provides fresh, outside air that is essential to both teaching and learning. This is accomplished when the sun’s energy is absorbed by the metal panels, heating the air at the surface. Proprietary engineered perforations in the panels provide a passageway for the air to move through the collector into a building’s duct system. To learn more about InSpire, visit www.inspirewall.com.

Sherwood Middle School won the 2013 Chairman’s Award from the Metal Construction Association (MCA) in the Education - Primary And Secondary category. The judges took note of the dynamic façade, especially the energy savings realized from the system that supplements interior heating. The judges appreciated that Lamoureux Pagano Associates Architects, Worcester, put a lot of time into the design.

The annual MCA Chairman's Awards are given to outstanding building projects involving MCA members. The awards honor innovation and creativity while showcasing how metal products help achieve exceptional building designs. A panel of noteworthy architects selected the winners.

To see a project video about Sherwood Middle School, click here.