FIVE OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Originally built in 1974, Five Oaks Middle School was in desperate need of improvements. Although the original finishes had been well maintained, the extent of work required was extensive. To understand the feasibility of the project with the tight budget of 25 million USD, we began both with studies to increase classroom numbers as well as several feasibility studies to decide if renovating the school or building back new would be the most effective approach. By conducting a carbon impact study, we found that renovating the existing school would not only save significant budget but would also have a dramatic impact on the carbon footprint of the school. 

 

With the decision made, we proceeded to create a 6-phase plan that would allow the school to remain open during the two and a half year construction process. Once we had proceeded with design and had a GMP on board, the 6 phases became 12 phases. 

 

My role began right after Bassetti Architects was awarded the job in 2015. I was a core team member in the user engagement, student engagement, design, and concept development during this project. In the construction phase, I functioned in the project architect role, managing both job demands and relationships. 

 

Keeping the existing building meant that although we were reducing the total construction embodied carbon, we were more challenged when integrating common sustainable measures and keeping on budget. We focused on integrating sustainable measures that would have the highest impact on student performance and well being. We targeted daylighting and used multiple programs to analyze the day lighting impact. We also focused on simple, durable, non-toxic materials and a flexible layout so the school could be more easily adapted in the future, as learning environments evolved.  

 

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