Built to relieve overcrowding in a growing district, Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School is spacious, bright and inviting – truly an exceptional example of the type of facility that can be designed with concrete. Designed to take advantage of a challenging site, the school and its curriculum invite exploration and discovery of the surrounding wetland by the nearly 1,000 students who attend.

Tilt-up construction, along with the THERMOMASS Building Insulation System, met both the District’s need for durability and value, and the Architect's desire for aesthetic interest and design flexibility.

Because of the THERMOMASS Building Insulation System's energy efficient properties, the school district can expect to experience an energy savings of more than 50% as compared to conventional building methods. Such extensive savings could be used to fund additional programs or hire more teachers.

Awards to date:

• Award of Merit – Public Project
  
• 2002 TCA Tilt-up Achievement Award
  
• Best Projects of 2001 - Texas Construction
  
• 2002 Impact on Learning Award School Planning & Management / The Council of Educational Facility Planners Int. (CEFPI)
  
• 2002 Architectural Excellence in School Design – Innovation Texas Association of School Administrators Texas Association of School Boards (TASA/TASB)

The school has also been featured in articles in The Dallas Morning News and the Engineering News – Record.