Birdville ISD—Haltom Middle School
Architect: PBK & IN2 Architecture
To build a new replacement Middle School on the existing campus site to serve a 1000 student capacity campus. The building features a next generation learning environment consisting of a compact two-story design. The three grade levels are divided into small learning communities. The campus also includes a new Media center, Cafetorium, Fine arts / Storm Shelter, Secured courtyards and Athletic facilities and fields.
Design
By producing a two-story, compact building, the design team was able to keep the existing campus in operation for the duration of construction. Creating a safe and secured educational environment was the backbone of the design as well as enabling all learning spaces within the building to be fully adaptable and customizable by the administration. Two secured outdoor courtyards also provide safe access to outdoors to be used as an extension of the learning experience for the students.
Value
With a partnership with the city, the district was able to construct the replacement school on the existing site which saved them from procuring a new property. This provided the students with a full educational experience during construction without interruption. Repetition of spaces also provided the district the opportunity to maximized savings and by dual purposing areas of the building, reduced the overall building footprint for additional green space.
Innovation
A multi-layered safety and security design approach was implemented for this campus. By instituting active and passive safety and security measures the team was able to still provide the district with the open and inviting educational experience for the students that they were wanting. Two secured outdoor courtyards also provided the campus additional areas to facilitate learning.
Community
Originally constructed in 1955, the campus enriched the community with over 60+ years of education, friendships, and school pride, causing a strong desire to maintain a connection to the past even while looking forward to the future. The district also wanted to continue building upon existing partnerships with the city and the community which yielded amazing outcomes for the benefit of the students.
Planning
The new campus required an extensive planning process to ensure the phased construction of the new building did not interfere with the day-to-day operations of the existing campus. A strong partnership with the city also provided a streamlined approach to help the contractor adhere to a strict construction schedule that was integral to the successful completion of this project.
School Transformation
With the outdated features replaced with state-of-the-art spaces and safety measures, the new campus transforms the daily learning experience of the students. Additional space to move about and a new building identity, the district can now showcase its vision towards a new future of empowering the next generation of learners.
Star of Distinction Category Winner