Caprock Academy Charter School  

 

2020

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Addition

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In 2017 Design West was approached by the Caprock Academy in Grand Junction to design and build an addition to their existing school.  The academy had two main goals.  Increase the classroom count by 25 classrooms and add a gymnasium and locker room facility for the students.  The second goal of the academy was to do it cost effectively and deliver the project within the academy’s limited budget.

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Design West worked closely with the academy to evaluate approaches to the program and construction that would deliver the two goals of scope and budget without compromise to the education mission of the academy.  The final design suggested was a two-story addition that was constructed of a metal building structure. The two-story addition is comprised of 25 classrooms that connect to the existing school via a large two-story atrium/gathering area for the students. The addition integrates seamlessly with the original school and the modern design complements the overall appeal and pride of the facility.

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The steel construction allowed for a substantially reduced cost and accelerated construction schedule.  The interiors were left simple and open with exposed structure and systems to reduce costs and provide a modern educational atmosphere.  Two separate exterior courtyard areas are provided in the addition.  One for the kindergarten age classes and another for the older kids that serves as a circulation spine and an outdoor gathering area directly off the atrium.

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The new gymnasium provides additional performance and gathering zone complete with a stage and bleachers. This area is integrated into the original school to allow for concessions and security centralized between both the new and existing gymnasium facility.  An additional wing of locker rooms was added to the existing main gymnasium to further complement the active education received by the Caprock Academy students.

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The facility design fully addressed the growing needs of the academy and did it within the aggressive budget constraints required to realize the project for the academy.  A third expansion is planed for the academy in the future and was also part of the design coordination required for this first addition phase.

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