Mead Middle School

Submitted by Hutton Ford Architects PC

Mead Middle School was one of several school district prototypes built in 1970 that has since had two additions. The three structures primarily utilized CMU interior walls and brick veneer with varying aesthetic results.

The massing of the three existing structures was harmonious yet the five different brick colors utilized over the years, as well as the different coursing and detailing patterns, resulted in visual confusion.

The project scope included an 11,100-sq-ft gymnasium addition on the south side of the school and a 3,300-sq-ft classroom addition on the north side.

The exterior design concept unifies the school additions by interweaving all of the disparaging brick colors, textures and masonry detailing. The field brick for both additions matches the original 1970 structure while the accent bricks were matched to both additions. The style and masonry details differed in the two additions to be complementary. As a result, the smaller classroom addition utilizes stacked panel details in blond-colored brick while the larger gym addition employs the traditional tripartite masonry detailing.

Another strong design concept for this facility was to produce a green demonstration project for the district that utilizes displacement ventilation, daylighting and sophisticated electric lighting systems - all highlighted and integrated by the masonry structure around them.

Displacement ventilation supplies air low to the ground and exhausts it higher up, which is just the opposite of conventional HVAC design. The gymnasium has six large ducts running from the ceiling space down the wall, discharging low to the playing surface. These ducts bump to the outside face of the CMU bearing walls so as to not interfere with the sports activities and are then highlighted as vertical masonry piers on the exterior of the gym.

This next generation of gyms produces a quiet environment, improves indoor air quality and lowers energy and construction costs.

Project Team

Owner: St. Vrain Valley School District
Architect: Hutton Ford Architects PC
Engineers: Tetra Tech RMC, Anchor Engineering & Inspection Inc., RMH Group
General Contractor: FCI Constructors Inc.
Major Subs: RJR Enterprises, Thoutt Brothers, Salazar Masonry, D & D Roofing Inc., Colorado Coatings Inc., Central Mechanical Inc., Preferred Electric

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