East Ridge Middle School

Clermont, FloridaNew Construction Project

Project of DistinctionSchenkelShultz Architecture

2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

East Ridge Middle School

Media CenterCommunity Environment: The new middle school in Clermont, Florida is located in a residential community that takes pride in the education of their students. Situated on a site with a 70-foot fall, the school overlooks the local community allowing students and teachers to visually connect their “home” at school with their “home” in the community.

Core Community Buildings -Media Center and GymnasiumCommunity Environment: The school is much more than an institution for teaching. It is a gathering place for students and the community, one in which all can take pride. The core facilities including the media center, gymnasium and cafeteria/multi-purpose space, are accessible to the public for after-hours community meetings and events. Illuminated with natural light, the media center was designed to be a beacon that visually engages the community with the middle school.

Multi-Level Walkway/Bridge and Technology LabLearning Environment: The school was designed to allow close interaction between students in the same grade. A large campus can be intimidating, but this school is conducive to smaller learning communities in which each grade level is separated by floor in the 3-story classroom building.

The classroom building is connected to the technology hub, by a multi-level walkway/bridge. The bridge symbolizes the link between traditional knowledge and skills based learning environments, providing students with a well-rounded education. The technology hub includes science laboratories and media center.

Classroom andMedia CenterLearning Environment:

All of the classrooms are located along the perimeter of the school, allowing natural day-light to fill each learning space, which promotes productivity in the students. The media center, which parallels the 3-story classroom building, is an inviting space with a 2-story reading room that gives students the chance to embrace their passion and creativity for learning. The media center is a part of the technology hub, which is centered around 21st century technology.

Entrance andCourtyardPhysical Environment : The design was inspired by the physical environment of the site and translated into an inspiring school for the school district, students, and the community. The brick exterior and openness of the campus is reminiscent of a collegiate feel more than that of a middle school. The elevation of the site creates an educational landmark for students and the community. East Ridge Middle School was designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) performance criteria.

Sustainable elements were incorporated into the design through daylighting controls and water cooled chillers with a central energy plant.

Cafeteria/Multi-Purpose Planning Process: The cafeteria / multi-purpose space is to be used by the school, as well as the local community. Therefore, it was important to get input from all of the stakeholders during design. The design team employed a collaborative process in which educators, school principals and facilities staff were involved in the design. Their involvement was an integral part in making the school a successful learning environment. The designers, construction managers and stakeholders worked together from design through post occupancy to ensure all of the goals were met and expectations were exceeded for this middle school.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

Submitting Firm : SchenkelShultz ArchitectureProject Role ArchitectProject Contact Ms. Cathy Roche, LEED® APTitle Project Manager / DesignerAddress 200 E. Robinson Street, Suite 300City, State or Province, Country Orlando, Florida, United States Phone (407) 872-3322

Joint Partner Firm: N/AProject RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Other Firm: N/AProject RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Construction Firm: PPI Construction ManagementProject Role ContractorProject Contact Mr. Mark BrownTitle Project ManagerAddress 200 East Palm Valley Drive, Suite 1040 ACity, State or Province, Country Orlando, Florida, United StatesPhone (407) 359-1660

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details

Project Name   East Ridge Middle School

City Clermont

State Florida

District Name   Lake County Schools

Supt/President   Ms. Anna P. Cowin

Occupancy Date   August 2008

Grades Housed   6-8

 

Capacity(Students)   1,273 students

Site Size (acres)   30 acres

Gross Area (sq. ft.)   169,942 sq. ft.

Per Occupant(pupil)   133 (gross)

gross/net please indicate  

 

Design and Build?   No

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development:   $4,409,800

Building Construction:   $41,605,500

Fixed Equipment:   $1,227,000

Other:  

 

Total:   $ 47,242,300