Casey Middle School

Boulder, Colorado

Middle School, Unbuilt Category

RB+B Architects, Inc.

2009 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Casey Middle School

North Side of Building

Planning Process: The Vision for Casey Middle School was established in 2007 and a set of guiding principles was

developed through the curriculum to the building form. Along with Educational Specifications, input was gathered from

district specialists, teachers, parents, students, administrators and the 20-25 member Casey Design Advisory Team to

define the design of the 600-student replacement Middle School.

View of West Side of Building | Historic Wall

Planning Process: Two major goals were balanced prior to the programming process: (1) there was a desire by the

District and the City to achieve LEED for Schools Gold or higher (it is currently on track for Platinum certification) and (2)

a desire by some members of the design committee to preserve the historic building. After pricing both scenarios

(saving the school versus building new), program constraints and unstable soils determined the original building could

not be saved without great expense. However, two exterior walls with beautiful terra cotta panels, intricate brick work

and original light fixtures will be preserved to maintain the school’s historic character.

View of Auditorium/Gym

Community Environment: The school accommodates after hours use by closing classroom areas while leaving the

gym and auditorium open to the community. Both have their own separate entrance. The auditorium will have a full

stage, support spaces and seating for 350 people.

View of South Side of Building | Historic Wall

Community Environment: The 8.4-acre urban site incorporates plazas bordering the south side of the building. A

plaza highlights the existing walls of the original 1924 school building, while creating an outdoor space for school or

community gathering. The design incorporates a small outdoor classroom, playscape, climbing rock from the existing

school and inspiring quotes.

Interior Corridor

Learning Environment: Classrooms are grouped in teaching team arrangements around common spaces

where student lockers, study/break-out space and teacher planning areas are located. Flex spaces may be

used for seminars and small exploratory classes. The classroom floors are connected by an elevator and main

stairs in the center and stairs at each end of the wing.

Courtyard Plaza

Learning Environment: Enabling students to socialize in multiple environments was also important to the

program. Common spaces, shared work spaces and integrated curriculum all support this goal. Additionally,

incorporating sustainable design into the building as well as the curriculum is an evolving goal for the school.

Building Entry

Physical Environment: The architecture of the new school building uses contemporary forms to contrast with the

historic walls. A new main entry was created on the east side of the building opening into the commons, which serves

as the cafeteria and a social space for students. The library uses the historic façade for its full three-story space. One of

the original entries will remain as a secondary entry into the library. Natural daylight illuminates classrooms on the north

side while tubular skylights balance the natural light in the rear of the room in both main and upper floor classrooms.

Other Features

Physical Environment: Other interesting design features include a green roof to aid in learning, artificial turf field, 90%

daylight in learning spaces, under building parking and an exterior stage, plaza and chessboards for community use.

The building anticipates a 42% reduction in energy consumption with a ground source heat pump system. Energy and

photovoltaic use will be tracked and shared with students and the community.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2009 Project Data

Submitting Firm : RB+B Architects, Inc.Project Role Architect-of-RecordProject Contact George Brelig, AIA, CEFPITitle PresidentAddress 315 East Mountain Avenue, Suite 100City, State or Province, Country Fort Collins, CO 80524Phone 970-484-0117

Joint Partner Firm: n/aProject RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Other Firm: n/aProject RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Construction Firm: Saunders ConstructionProject Role General ContractorProject Contact Jason GodbyTitle Project ManagerAddress 6950 S. Jordan RoadCity, State or Province, Country Centennial, CO 80112Phone 303-617-3874

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2009 Project Details

Project Name  Casey Middle School

City  Boulder

State Colorado

District Name Boulder Valley School District

Supt/President Christopher King, Superintendent

Occupancy Date Anticipated 2010

Grades Housed 6-8

 

Capacity(Students) 600 Students

Site Size (acres) 8.4 Acres

Gross Area (sq. ft.) 106,500 sf

Per Occupant(pupil) 178 sf/pupil

gross/net please indicate (Gross)

 

Design and Build?  (not built)

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development:  

Building Construction:  

Fixed Equipment:  

Other: GMP $24,291,792

 

Total: GMP $24,291,792

Commons Area

Commons Area

East and North Elevations

West and South Elevations