Several elements of the original 1938 building were restored and utilized in the new structure, including an historic 18-foot tower cupola and its eagle weathervane, which serves as a sculpture in the main entrance. During construction, educational activity continued within the shifting perimeters of the existing building and neighborhood.
A compact and efficient plan vertically links the programmed labs and classrooms through four core gathering spaces.
The dining hall, library, theater, and gymnasium organize movement through the building. The design responds to the educational plan while fostering informal student social encounters.
Students are welcomed by a flexible dining commons extending to a series of “living room” hubs at each floor. The design prioritizes access to primary student gathering spaces for those with physical disabilities.
Exposed environments reinforce opportunities for hands-on and active learning.
A data-acquisition system in the lobby allows students to assess and interpret real-time information regarding building energy usage and conservation.
Exposed environments reinforce opportunities for hands-on and active learning.
A 7,000 sf green roof is located next to STEM labs, facilitating its incorporation into the curriculum.
The green roof captures biophilic design’s intent to enhance skills essential to learning: comfort, creativity, and individual satisfaction.
Wellesley High School was designed to use approximately 40% less energy than a code compliant school building in Massachusetts. In design, the predicted Energy Use Intensity (EUI) was 45 kBtu/sf-yr, in comparison with MA code compliancy of 78.
Six Months Ahead of Schedule
|Timing was everything for the Wellesley High School project. To complete the phased construction on a schedule that would minimize impacts to the students and staff, the complicated permitting process required a fast-track schedule. SMMA’s in-house team worked closely with permitting authorities and the client to earn quick approvals so that construction could begin. Our successful permitting effort led to the construction of the new high school six months ahead of schedule.
Both the site plan approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Project of Significant Impact approval from the Planning Board were detailed filings that included extensive information regarding zoning; traffic, noise, and historic impacts; stormwater; utilities; town infrastructure; geotechnical considerations; building, pedestrian, and bicycle safety; and refuse disposal and recycling.
