Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD—Gene A. Buinger CTE Academy
Construction of a new Career and Technology Center replaced the district’s existing and aging facility. The new facility is located on the same site, adjacent to the former CTE building and on the site that housed the Transportation/Maintenance Department fronting the new highway expansion. Optimal technology, professional equipment and enhanced curriculum replicate real world environments providing students hands-on training for future professions.
Community
A new, modernized CTE Center serves the district’s two high schools as a central location for post-secondary opportunities. The building speaks to its internal and external communities and responds with optimal flexibility and adaptability lending to economical benefits and space sharing opportunities. The prominent location provides a professional and collegiate presence showcasing the district’s innovative learning initiatives and serving as a point of pride for the community.
Design
Upon entry, a spacious atrium connecting both floors immediately engages students and visitors. Food court, café and study areas lend collaboration, while the “Go Center” serves as the first step to the rest of the building, providing program information and career counseling. A collegiate, flexible design fosters preparation for future professions. Professional equipment and systems create real-world training for students while interior classroom windows display learning for passersby.
Planning
Major highway expansion impeding on the existing CTE site demanded a plan for enhancement and expansion. District members evaluated current programs and developed a building to more effectively educate and train students while also serving district -wide efforts and the surrounding community. A deliberate design was vital as the small urban site presented such challenges as the relationship to surrounding buildings, the highway expansion and maintaining everyday function of existing buildings.
Sustainability
The new facility features energy efficient LED lighting, durable wall and floor surfaces throughout, and new HVAC units with DDC and integrated management systems. Insulated masonry wall systems, abundant natural lighting from low-e glass, high reflective, single-ply roofs and standing seam metal roofs provide durability and efficiency that extend the life of the building. Strategic repurposing and adaptive reuse of the existing site also minimized the overall environmental impact.
Value
Fronting the new highway expansion, the location is a key component to the district’s master-planned site complex serving all adjacent buildings—Administration Building, Training Center and Stadium. Lecture halls and computer labs add versatility to accommodate multiple programs. Additional classrooms, science labs, cafeteria and kitchen allow students to remain on campus and offers a unique opportunity to transform the facility into a third high school for future growth when needed.
School Transformation
Surrounding growth gave the district an opportunity to transform their educational delivery to serve current and future needs. Unlike the original 1971 facility, a modern, professional and spacious environment is available to fully train students. By maximizing the use of the building for multiple programs and public use, the building is respondent to both district and community. Students serve the greater community through various programs, providing additional hands-on learning opportunities.
Star of Distinction Category Winner