Commodore Builders is spearheading the expansion and renovation of Hopkins Lower Middle School to accommodate the growing student population in Hopkinton and modernize the facilities. This 28,000-sf project includes:

• Construction of a new gymnasium
• Renovation of the existing cafeteria
• Upgrades to existing classrooms
• Creation of four new STEM labs equipped with advanced technology
• Improvements to outdoor areas, including a new playground and grass sports fields

To achieve new Massachusetts regulations for sustainability, the school will be nearly 100% electric. All new kitchen and mechanical equipment will be electric or powered by geothermal, and all rooftop units will be replaced with geothermal units. The new system will greatly reduce reliance on fossil fuels by harnessing geothermal energy for heating and cooling systems throughout the building.

Commodore Builders partnered with Skillings & Sons to install thirty-five geothermal wells on site to support the new systems. Thanks to meticulous planning, geothermal drilling commenced a month ahead of schedule. This proactive approach was essential, as the original timeline extended into winter, posing risks of freezing conditions that could have delayed installation and complicated well site management. Completing the wells prior to pouring the foundation for the addition was critical, especially given the project’s constrained site.

Due to the project’s proximity to wetlands, careful water management was essential to prevent environmental impacts. The installation of the wells requires 60 gallons of water per minute, requiring the water to be filtered and tested before being discharged back onto the site to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

This expansion not only meets the needs of the growing student body but also sets a benchmark for sustainable building practices and innovative approaches to meet Massachusetts’ energy goals.

Video courtesy of Mass Clean Energy Week