OUR VISION

Govalle Elementary School: a commitment to community
engagement, research and innovative learning environments


Govalle Elementary School has served East Austin students since 1931. The school boasts a wide range of offerings, including Pre-K, dual language and fine arts, as well as programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math.

“We have enjoyed working with Encotech on the Govalle Elementary School project
and look forward to continuing to do so.”

– Luis Salazar, PBK

Encotech structural engineering team worked closely with the design team to execute the architectural vision. We provided sound and efficient engineering solutions that allowed the architect to express a myriad of interesting features, including large open spaces, significant second-story overhangs, large storefront openings, monumental stairs, and a large decorative main entrance. The project provided some additional geometric challenges, as the two main wings of the school were oriented at an oblique angle, in an attempt to preserve some heritage trees.

Encotech’s MEP team found innovative solutions for the design of lighting and power outlet layout and circuiting, a circuit design for special electrical equipment, and the site lighting and electrical around the building. We also coordinated with Electric Utility Company to power the building. The plumbing design included a gas boiler for the mechanical system, water and wastewater and natural gas piping load analysis, sizing, layout and riser diagrams, and hot water circulation loop design. Finally, the mechanical design included a 4-pipe air-cooled chiller, the building automation controls design, an outside air system design that utilize a form of energy recovery, a zonal load analysis, sizing and scheduling of HVAC equipment based on zoning.

location: Austin, Texas
client: PBK
Services Performed: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering