O'Connell Robertson Earns CEFPI Architecture Merit Award

Austin, Texas — O’Connell Robertson’s design of the new Success High School in Round Rock ISD earned one of two 2015 Architecture Merit Awards presented by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) Southern Region Chapter during the group’s annual conference in San Antonio on Saturday (April 11).

Award entries were evaluated according to criteria in each of the following categories: community environment, learning environment, physical environment, and planning process.

The 68,000 SF campus (located at 500 Gattis School Road in Round Rock) serves high school students who desire acceleration, need evening classes to better fit their personal schedules, or are in at-risk situations. The school was designed to provide maximum flexibility to support varying curriculum and class sizes with flexible and innovative learning spaces, integrated labs, design studios, small group rooms, and a discovery center that replaces the traditional library. A child care center for student parents also doubles as a teaching space for the Early Childhood Education curriculum. The campus features numerous sustainability strategies designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating.

“We are proud of this award that recognizes our partnership with RRISD in designing a progressive and unique educational environment that helps prepare all students for success after high school,” said Amy Jones, principal-in-charge of the Success High School project.

Featured

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • Wyoming District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Laramie County School District #1 in Cheyenne, Wy., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming Mountain View Elementary School, according to a news release. The facility has an estimated completion date of summer 2028, and it will have the capacity for 650 students in fifth and sixth grade.

  • Amazon Expands Lockers to More Than 500 College, University Campuses

    Amazon recently announced that its Locker Network now totals more than 750 locations at more than 500 college and university campuses around the United States, according to a company news release.

  • Back-to-School Playground Safety: 7 Common Hazards to Look for After Summer Break

    As summer break comes to an end, school administrators have plenty to prepare before students return. While classrooms, hallways and common areas often receive attention during all the back-to-school preparations, the playground should not be overlooked. Months of weather exposure, storms, and regular wear can leave behind hazards that may not be immediately noticeable.