Simple Design - The affordable design begins with simple geometric shapes. The rectangle is the easiest shape to design and build. In construction terms, “easy to build” equates directly to reduced construction costs. Interior rooms are also rectangular in shape. Straight walls constructed at 90 degree angles are far less expensive to build than curved walls, or walls joined at any other angle.

Double Slope Roof – A double slope roof is far less costly to construct than a multiple pitch roof and this simplicity of design allows for the maximum usable space in the interior of the building. Placing the gymnasium and cafetorium (combination cafeteria and auditorium) in the middle of the building under a double slope roof minimizes the exterior wall area of the large spaces – reducing both initial construction/material costs and ongoing heating/cooling costs.

Heating and Air Conditioning – DCA exclusively specifies the Lennox L-Series HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system in all ABC designs. The L-Series HVAC has the lowest total life cycle costs in the industry. It is designed to reduce the cost of installation, lower your monthly energy bills and minimize ongoing maintenance costs throughout the life of your school.

In addition to full humidity control, individual zone control and low operating costs, the Lennox HVAC system controls mold and other airborne contaminants. The L-Series is the most reliable on the market, minimizing the risk of building shutdowns and providing a comfortable and healthy learning environment for students and teachers throughout the entire school year.

Electrical Distribution – When electrical power panels are placed close to where the power is needed, total wiring costs are lowered significantly. Designing power distribution this way also saves the cost and space of specifically dedicating a room for power panels. All power panels are pre-assembled at the manufacturer's factory, further reducing on-site labor costs.

Lighting – Attention to detail is the key to designing an affordable lighting system. DCA designs affordable schools to minimize the need for artificial lighting. Most rooms have outside windows, and skylights are carefully considered for gymnasiums and other areas.

Standardization – Standardization drives down the total cost of construction. By using standardized products and materials, everything from architectural and design fees to on-site construction costs are reduced. The affordable design takes advantage of the cost savings available when using standardized building components purchased through national suppliers. Leveraging economies of scale when purchasing building products and systems lowers unit costs significantly.

•  Large Span Steel Frame Structure

Steel frame and roof – Using steel systems provides a number of benefits when constructing an affordable school. Steel products are strong, durable and easy to construct. Using a steel frame structure shortens the construction time as it can be enclosed more quickly than other frame structure methods. The cost of using a steel frame versus any other structural system is significantly lower and provides a superior building support system.

A metal roof can greatly impact the life cycle cost of your building and the maintenance costs of your roof.

•  Operational Efficiencies

The Affordable Building Concept strongly considers not only construction costs, but also ongoing operational and maintenance costs. Every effort is made to keep all expenses low.

Lighting Bills – DCA specifies lighting fixtures that are inexpensive to purchase, easy to install and economical to operate. Only high efficiency ballasts are used.

Heating and Air Conditioning Bills – In the affordable school, DCA places the main control panel in the administrative area with local sensors monitoring individual room temperatures. If a classroom is uncomfortable, the teacher asks someone in the administrative office to adjust the unit controlling that classroom. This is a fully digitally controlled HVAC system.

Reduced Maintenance Expense – Low-maintenance features are integral throughout the design of all ABC schools. Abuse-resistant sheetrock; prefinished surfaces; no-leak, standing-seam metal roofs; commercial quality carpet, and durable vinyl flooring are just a few of the high quality materials specified in order to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.

•  Reduced Material Costs

DCA has negotiated with national manufacturers and vendors to supply schools with products and materials at national pricing levels. This includes national buying agreements with manufacturers of a broad range of materials such as windows, doors, locks, gym equipment, lockers, flooring, tile, bathroom fixtures, kitchen equipment and HVAC equipment. The list of products covers just about anything needed to build, equip and furnish a school. The cumulative effect of these national buying agreements has significantly reduced construction costs and the cost of furnishing ABC projects.

Vendor Selection – DCA selects its partner manufacturers and suppliers based on value – high quality and service at affordable prices. Normally, local contractors select products through a competitive bidding process which can lead to choosing the least expensive product, often sacrificing both quality and service. DCA selects only leading manufacturers of high quality products and obtains the assurance of the lowest prices through wholesale purchasing contracts.

This wholesale procurement process typically cuts through several layers of distribution costs. This enables the company to pass along very attractive pricing to their customers – both in construction and on customers' direct purchase of furnishings and equipment.