Wethersfield High School
The Wethersfield High School comprehensive renovation project addressed educational program requirements and energy conservation needs. The 255,000-SF “as-new” renovation and 26,000-SF addition also enhanced safety, accessibility, and improved circulation and site amenities. The scope included: + a complete infrastructure upgrade + 14 science clabrooms + a new media center + a completely renovated auditorium + repurposed music, art, and technology education spaces + a new culinary program + a new commons/cafeteria + the addition of a new athletic facility + teachers and coaches’ offices and support spaces + new administrative offices + new interiors and finishes Another critical element of this project was the community’s desire to pursue an environmentally-sensitive design. This includes passive and active systems that meet LEED Silver Certification. Cost-to-benefit analyses indicated that a photovoltaic array and a geothermal system will help achieve the project and town goals.

More Information

Our firm was commissioned to conduct a facility study and design concepts for renovations and expansion of Wethersfield High School. The scope of work included assisting the Board of Education with the development of the educational specifications and an evaluation of the existing facility for a “renovate-as-new” status. The original facility was built in 1952 with several additions over the years. The project scope included the evaluation of the existing building and infrastructure, a code study, a physical assessment, and capacity and use analysis. Our design team developed several options in order to assist the school administration and Board of Education in determining the best approach to meet the educational specifications. The design team conducted a study for the development of a new facility on the existing site as well as a phasing analysis and cost estimate to determine if the project could meet the “renovation status” as determined by the Department of Construction Services. Once a design concept was approved by the Board of Education and the Building Committee, the design team developed schematic level drawings and presented the information to the town leadership and the community at large. The project received approval of the votes by a two thirds majority.

CLIENT

Town of Wethersfield

LOCATION

Wethersfield, Connecticut

YEAR COMPLETED

2016

SIZE

275,000 SF

COST

$84,600,000

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 33 dedicated professionals, including 18 licensed architects, the firm has grown into one of the 10 largest architectural firms in Connecticut.

ADDRESS

195 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT 06032

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