Sanford, ME – Construction of the new 332,000sf state-of-the-art Sanford High School and Technical Center is underway. The facility, which was designed by Lavallee Brensinger Architects in coordination with general contractor Hutter Construction, will serve as a model for integrated secondary education that focuses on 21st-century learning.
School entry
Career technical education is integrated within the academic core programs and organized into four academic pathways: science and technology; business and management; arts and communication; and human services. These pathways allow students to embrace education through their individual interest areas and allow faculty to focus studies on those aspects within each wing. A full complement of career and technical labs and support areas were designed to add flexibility and the integration of technology to prepare students for an exciting and ever evolving field of study.
Extracurricular and community use areas also have a particular emphasis at this facility, which includes an 850-seat performing arts center, a 2,000-seat stadium, and an artificial turf field.
Gym entry
Highlighting Sanford’s commitment to maximizing energy efficiency was the decision to incorporate Genest Omni Block, an integrally insulated concrete block system with an exceptionally high r-value and performance that easily exceeds all local, state, and federal energy codes. The construction of the building includes 12 types of Genest Concrete architectural block, both on the interior and the exterior.
For 90 years, Genest’s concrete products have been manufactured right in Sanford, using a local workforce and materials, making them the ideal choice for the project.
During design, Genest worked closely with Lavallee Brensinger Architects to create extraordinary results within a very conservative budget. Custom block color mixes were created (at no extra charge to the project) to be used in many façades and applied in unique patterns to embrace the design vision for Sanford High School and Technical Center.
Block mixes were reviewed not just for color but also for costs, and agreed to prior to competitive bidding. Products were also reviewed for longevity, energy efficiency, and durability. The labor force behind the masonry installation at the school is also Maine-based and is being provided by Maine Masonry.
The landscapes PICP system was designed by Sebago Technics Inc. of South Portland. Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham is completing the site development work, which will include the construction of the pervious open graded base and sub-base for water storage and infiltration, along with the installation of the permeable concrete paving units.
The grounds of the building were specifically designed to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff, increase site and building utilization, and achieve sustainable site design objectives. Approximately 46,000sf of Genest Concrete Permeable Interlocking Pavers were included in the landscape design for the school’s parking lot and front entrance.
The school is set to open September of 2018.
