North Branford High School
The North Branford High School project began with a comprehensive facility study evaluating the viability of renovating the existing building versus constructing a new facility on the same site. The study informed a decision to proceed with a new 107,000 square foot high school designed to serve 524 students, delivered in two phases over a 30-month construction period while the existing school remained fully operational.

The new facility is purpose-built for 21st-century learning, with flexible learning commons, dedicated arts and music spaces, and fully equipped science, engineering, and technology labs tailored to the district's growing career-track and technology education programs. Phase 2 added a gymnasium, fitness center, locker rooms, and additional classroom space. Sustainability was integral to the design from the outset, with the building achieving an energy performance 35% better than code and a 30% reduction in total potable water usage.

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The building's sustainability features were carefully considered at every level of the design. The building's orientation maximizes northern diffused daylight while minimizing direct southern solar gain, supported by a daylight harvesting system and room occupancy sensors to further reduce energy consumption. The building envelope incorporates enhanced wall cavity insulation and upgraded insulated glazing, and the roof is oriented to accommodate a future photovoltaic array. A green roof, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and the use of recycled, regionally sourced, and Forest Stewardship Council certified materials further reflect the project's environmental commitments.

Beyond the building itself, bioswales and permeable paving were incorporated to manage stormwater runoff and protect the adjacent wetlands, which were restored through the removal of invasive species. The site design also introduced outdoor classroom spaces with terraced seating, an outdoor dining courtyard, and an environmental classroom with a dedicated wetland observation deck, providing students with direct engagement with the natural systems that the school's design works to protect.

CLIENT

Town of North Branford

LOCATION

North Branford, Connecticut

YEAR COMPLETED

Phase 1-2023 Phase 2-2024

SIZE

107,000 SF

COST

$70,300,000
CBC Merit Award: Pre-K-12 School - Large
Exterior view of North Branford High School at dusk, featuring a brick and stone facade with large windows and a covered main entrance.

QA+M Architecture is a full-service architectural firm that provides programming, planning and interior design for clients in commercial, community, education, healthcare, historical, housing, and recreational/athletic markets. Staffed by 39 dedicated professionals, including 15 licensed architects, QA+M has grown to be the 5th largest architectural firm in the Greater Hartford area.

ADDRESS

195 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT 06032

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