Photo by Emil Kara/Balfour Beatty Construction

Design elements include covered walkways, clerestory windows and skylights.

The campus, which has a state-of-the-art energy management system, is designed to use 28% less energy than allowed under the updated California code. Named after a former marine and police officer killed by a Mexican drug cartel in 1985, the district's first two-story elementary school includes an administration building, a multipurpose building with food service and child care and two classroom buildings. Design elements include covered walkways, clerestory windows and skylights. Low-watt night lights meet the requirements of the nearby Palomar Observatory.

Key Players

Contractor Balfour Beatty Construction

Owner Chula Vista Elementary School District

Architect Ruhnau Ruhnau Clarke

Structural Engineer Kanda & Tso Associates

Civil Engineer Berger ABAM

MEP Engineer Nack & Associates; FBA Engineering