The new North Middle School embodies the district’s desire to build a new middle school that would accommodate their instructional curriculum per grade level. The floor plan separates each grade into two “academic families.” Computer and science labs located in each “family” support 21st Century multi-discipline learning and teacher collaboration.
The gymnasium contains spectator seating for 750. The media center, cafeteria, as well as the gymnasium are located within the school, to be accessible for community centered activities during after school hours, while maintaining the security of the academic areas of the plan.
The central great hall is the main intersection of the school and features a streetscape design with “storefront” display areas leading into the media center and the administrative offices. The great hall also features clerestory windows to bring natural daylight into the space.
The new middle school also features a geothermal heating/cooling system with Variable Refrigerant Volume System (VRV) – both systems are monitored by a building management system. Occupancy sensors are utilized throughout the building to conserve energy usage and the lighting has been designed to minimize the lighting power density throughout the school. Operating at 34 kBtu’s/SF/YR, North Hardin is the school district’s most energy efficient school.
With their experience of working with multiple funding sources and familiarity in navigating federal programs, Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects is working with Dawson Springs to deliver a modern, affordable housing community with market-rate amenities.
Three Sherman Carter Barnhart -designed schools — South Green Elementary School, Cumberland Trace Elementary
School, and Rich Pond Elementary School — are featured in this month’s ICF Builder Magazine.
