Belton ISD—Lake Belton High School
Architect: O’Connell Robertson
Lake Belton was the 2nd High School for a fast-growth District. Its innovative and comprehensive design supports 2,500 students. Covering 2 stories across 385,000 SF, key programming includes science, athletics, performing and fine arts, an auditorium, and a core learning center. To encourage 21st-century education, architectural features promote collaboration communities, teacher think tanks, a central media center, science super labs, extensive CTE program support, and dispersed dining.
Design
“Main Street” provides the primary circulation route with multiple entrances and access to all major programs. The school has a robust CTE program and partners with many local businesses, so a key design goal was to showcase these specialty areas on both floors, raising awareness of the learning opportunities available. From students cooking in a full commercial kitchen, to floral design, welding, robotics, and clinical simulations in the health sciences lab – these professional spaces are on display where students circulate – generating curiosity.
Value
The modern design was achieved economically. Ease of maintenance and durability were considered for all material selections. Construction was structural steel, but use of tilt wall in high volume areas provided cost efficiency. In this all-electric building, HVLV fans are cleverly housed, significantly improving performance of mechanical systems without sacrificing thermal comfort. Strategic design decisions optimized the budget – scaling investments appropriately to activities within space and places where students were intended to gravitate.
Wellness
Students’ access to natural light and views of nature supports healthy circadian rhythm and increases energy. The design was intended to give students autonomy. They have choices to connect socially or re-charge in solitude, including shaded outdoor areas. Any way students elect to experience the space, they are safe. Law enforcement and security participated to ensure proper lockdown procedures and critical exit routes, are layered within the school without disruption to learning experiences.
Community
Community members felt trepidation toward the addition of a 2nd District high school. Through extensive engagement in the design and planning process they developed ownership and pride. The school’s identity was born from decades-old yearbooks found in the archives and stories / photographs collected by a local historian. Broncos were the mascot of the original town school and early landmarks and geographical features served as design inspiration. The entire theme was rooted in the foundation of Belton giving this diverse community something to connect with and support.
Planning
The neighborhoods, inspired by historical Belton references, serve as teachers’ home base. Think tanks in the heart of each neighborhood create a collaborative environment – each with a unique personality reflective of the group. Here they team lesson plan and cross-teach. The plan allows for safety sightlines and constant observation. School leaders were integral to planning the administrative spaces, ensuring they support all staff to do their jobs well. The result allows counselors to experience professional collisions outside of the typical conference room. Substitute teachers also feel included as they have an equitable place to interact with the staff.
School Transformation
The District has a successful new High School with innovative, future-focused, breakthrough learning environments. Because the design incorporates flexibility, students are presented with many options and can own their school experience while remaining safe and secure. Teachers are embracing the transparency created by the openness of the neighborhood concept. The integrated design team created a smart, collegiate looking, budget-conscious, and operationally-efficient facility. Everyone is excited that the Broncos are now part of their expanding community.
Star of Distinction Category Winner