Laurel High School | Middle School

The challenge was to create two distinct entities for the 700 student High School and 700 student Middle School, while maximizing opportunities for shared facilities to meet budget constraints. The facility is approximately 189,000 sf with centrally located administration and shared media center, and separate High School and Middle School academic wings. The school features a 600-seat auditorium, a 1,000-seat high school gymnasium, and a 200-seat middle school gym. The new school was located on the site of the existing High School, which required phased construction. The site design separates bus, student, and vehicular traffic for each school, while providing shared parking and new athletic fields. Sustainable features include geothermal HVAC, abundant natural lighting provided in conjunction with light dimming controls and occupancy sensors, high performance glazing throughout, and energy-efficient sloped and single ply roofing systems. Stormwater management utilizes a series of bio-retention ponds prior to tying into the existing stream behind the school.

Issued the first Energy Performance Certificate by The National Fenestration Rating Council (NRFC) in the State of Delaware.