CHURCH HILL MIDDLE SCHOOLCHURCH HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL

New Braunfels, TexasMiddle SchoolLighthouse AwardSHW Group

2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Church Hill Middle School

Before After

Community Environment:Because the school’s entrance was not previously defined in the existing intermediate school, a new entrance was designed to create an iconic public entrance to the campus.

Community Environment:A second entrance was placed adjacent to the gymnasium for after hours use of the communal spaces. After hours, the library’s tall volume and glass curtain wall façade acts as a beacon of light for the community.

Learning Environment: Several portable buildings were eliminated at the middle school with this transition. The inclusion of those classrooms into the new addition allowed students to walk to all of their classes in a confined hallway, protecting them from inclement weather.

Before After

Learning Environment:The schools “loud” spaces such as the gymnasium, band hall and choir rooms are now located at the opposite side of the campus, away from the more isolated spaces for focused learning. The art room is located along the exterior of the building to have direct access to an outdoor art courtyard, as well as present itself to the community.

Physical Environment:This campus is adjacent to additional district properties, enabling the use of one large detention pond to service all properties. To reduce the carbon footprint, many local materials were used, and the amount of demolished material was greatly reduced.

The school’s communal spaces are oriented toward two main streets in this part of town, providing a new sense of academic awareness. For flexibility and in anticipation of future growth, roadways and student pathways were strategically located for potential expansion.

Planning Process:To meet the needs of the community’s growth, this intermediate school was expanded into a middle school. It was important for the district that the ‘elementary’ learning environment of the intermediate school be transformed into a more mature academia. To accomplish this, teachers and administrators were able to have direct input and were in close collaboration with the design process.

EXHIBITION OF SCHOOL PLANNING AND ARCHITECTUREEXHIBITION OF SCHOOL PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE2008 PROJECT DATA2008 PROJECT DATA

Submitting Firm : SHW GroupProject Role ArchitectProject Contact Christian Owens, AIATitle Lead DesignerAddress 300 West 6th Street, Suite 2200City, State or Province, Country Austin, TX 78701Phone 512-795-0088Construction Firm: DrymallaProject Role ContractorProject Contact Rob SchneiderTitle Project ManagerAddress 608 HarbertCity, State or Province, Country Columbus, TX 78934Phone 979-732-5731

EXHIBITION OF SCHOOL PLANNING AND ARCHITECTUREEXHIBITION OF SCHOOL PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE2008 PROJECT DETAILS2008 PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name   Church Hill Middle School

City New Braunfels

State Texas

District Name Comal ISD

Supt/President Dr. Marc Walker

Occupancy Date August 2007

Grades Housed 6-8

 

Capacity(Students)   865

Site Size (acres)  

Gross Area (sq. ft.)   85,000

Per Occupant(pupil) 98.27

gross/net please indicate   gross

 

Design and Build?   No

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development:  

Building Construction:   $11,497,000

Fixed Equipment:  

Other:  

 

Total:  $11,497,000

Before After