Belmont, MA – Skanska recently announced the completion of the $256 million, 451,000sf construction and renovation of the new Belmont Middle and High School.
The project, awarded to Skanska by the Town of Belmont, aimed to replace the high school with a new facility to encompass grades seven through twelve. The existing high school structure remained in operation while the new structure was under construction. Then in phase two, the old high school was demolished and the connecting middle school was constructed. Renovation work to the existing field house was carried out over three summer breaks.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the completion of the transformative reconstruction of Belmont Middle and High School,” said Bryan Northrop, executive vice president for Skanska USA Building’s New England Region. “Working in tandem with the Town of Belmont to ensure all goals were met, we utilized our extensive experience in building educational facilities to successfully execute this substantial renovation on time and with minor disruption to the students’ and faculty’s day-to-day operations. The fossil fuel-free facility will meet LEED Gold standards and sets the benchmark for sustainable school construction in Massachusetts.”
The newly constructed 4-floor structure includes new academic and science wings, media facilities, administrative and health suites, and a new dining common area. Additionally, the school’s existing gymnasium and swimming pool amenities were renovated, new playing fields and landscaping were implemented, and new access entry points, drop-off circles and sidewalks were constructed.
To meet the Town of Belmont’s goals of building a zero fossil fuel and highly sustainable building, Skanska implemented a myriad of sustainable features throughout the project. The newly constructed structure utilizes a geothermal system to heat and cool the entirety of the building via the installation of 283 geothermal wells, ensuring it is 100% fossil fuel-free. Relying entirely on renewable energy, the net-zero structure additionally includes an array of solar panels on the roof that provide a third of the property’s overall energy and is currently going through the process of seeking LEED Gold certification.
Several key pieces of technology were utilized throughout the project to ensure overall operational efficiency, including using StructionSite to garner daily project photos and videos and consolidate project communications, documentation, and progress tracking. Laser scanning for key facade work and the use of drones to capture photo and video content were also implemented.
Construction at Belmont Middle and High School began in June of 2019. CHA Consulting operated as the owner’s project manager and Perkins & Will served as the architect for this project.
