Project Overview
The expansion of PS108X in the Bronx required more than additional classroom space; it required a building that could reinforce the civic presence and architectural legacy of the original 1937 school while meeting the demands of modern educational design.
Coreslab Structures (CONN) Inc. served as the precast concrete producer, delivering a façade system that translates historic character into a contemporary solution. Working alongside ESKW/Architects, the New York School Construction Authority, Navillus, and A.J. McNulty, the team delivered a 67,000 SF addition that complements the existing campus without replication.
Inspired by the original building's masonry expression and Art Deco influences, the design interprets its geometry, rhythm, and materiality through a high-performance building envelope. The result is a modern civic structure that respects its context while providing long-term durability and functionality for a public school environment.
Completed in 2024, the addition stands as a seamless extension of the historic campus, reinforcing its architectural identity while supporting the needs of future generations.
Precast Solution
Architectural Precast Concrete was central to achieving both the aesthetic and performance goals of the project. Approximately 34,000 SF of insulated architectural precast concrete, spanning 277 pieces, for the building envelope.
The system integrates thin brick, custom form liners, and deeply articulated geometry to create a façade rich in texture and depth. Thin brick-faced precast panels establish a strong visual connection to the original masonry structure with the added benefits of controlled quality and precise fabrication.
Custom form liners and carefully detailed reveals introduce shadow and rhythm across the elevations, echoing the disciplined composition of Art Deco design. Panel thickness reaching up to 18 ½ inches allowed for the pronounced architectural expression while accommodating structural and interface requirements.
Fabrication in a controlled environment ensured consistent color, texture, and quality across all precast elements. On a constrained Bronx site, the prefabricated approach enabled efficient installation sequencing and accelerated the project timeline.
Beyond aesthetics, the insulated precast system provides a continuous thermally insulated envelope that enhances energy performance, occupant comfort, and long-term durability, key priorities for public infrastructure.
Through early coordination and precise execution, architectural precast served not just as enclosure, but as the primary architectural expression, successfully bridging historic influence with modern performance.
Recipient of 2026 PCINE Showcase Award | Best in Precast: K-12
PS 108X earned the PCINE Showcase Award for Best in Precast: K-12 for its ability to translate historic architectural character into a refined, high-performance precast system. The project stands out for its precision, coordination, and disciplined use of precast to achieve visual continuity across a complex façade. By aligning design intent with efficient fabrication and installation, the team delivered a solution that is both contextually responsive and built for long-term performance, demonstrating how precast concrete elevates the quality and impact of modern educational facilities. |