North Laurel Middle School Addition & Renovation

Improving the Learning Environment

The continued growth at North Laurel Middle School created a building that no longer addressed the student, teacher, and staff needs.

Sherman Cater Barnhart worked closely with District staff, to provide a “student and teacher centered” design solution focused on improving the learning environment of the school through the addition of classrooms, improved finishes throughout the school, as well as a new secured entry and new exterior building facade.

The addition was located along the main front elevation of the existing building to create a new exterior building façade. The new exterior includes architectural features to direct both students and parents to the main entrance. The new main entrance features a large open, daylit corridor and a secured vestibule for both students and visitors, as well as a new administrative suite. The entry is flanked by two new canopies for bus and student drop off and pick up.

New classrooms create an improved learning environment through decreased class sizes and the abundance of daylighting.

Existing finishes throughout the school were replaced with new easy to maintain and low maintenance finishes. Various areas of the existing building were also renovated to meet the needs of the growing school population. Mechanical and electrical improvements were also made to improve the energy efficiency of the school.

A complete site redevelopment design improved vehicular and pedestrian access, as well as alleviated existing poor site drainage issues.

Working with the District staff and the Construction Manager, the design team developed a detailed phasing plan and four phase implementation schedule to facilitate a seamless construction project. The end result was a project completed on time and on schedule with only a positive impact to the education of the students of North Laurel Middle School.