Under a design-build contract with the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA), DMR served as the design consultant to the general contractor for the design and construction of the new, Joseph A. Taub School in Paterson. The 163,000 SF building serves students in grades 6-8 and is one of only two middle schools in the district, which has 34 total school buildings.
The school includes 36 classrooms, nine science labs, six special education classrooms, three art rooms, three science/math/tech project labs, six small group instruction rooms, an occupational therapy room, physical therapy sensory room, a hydroponics lab, cafetorium, stage/dance studio, gymnasium, music/instrument room, a computer lab and media center.
The Joseph A. Taub School achieved LEED Silver Certification from the United States Green Building Council. Noteworthy sustainable elements include pedestrian accessibility to more than 94% of students and a 32.47% reduction in indoor water usage. Electrically operated solar shades reduce heat gain and maintain optimal daylight. Nearly 51,000 SF of rubber asphaltic pavers on the roof help reduce the effect of the “heat island,” due to their recycled material content, durability, and ability to reflect more sunlight.