2012 Best Project
Renovation/Restoration Category
Layton High School Remodel
Layton, Utah
From leaky roofs to unreliable fire alarms and lack of air conditioning, the 42-year-old Layton High School building in Layton, Utah, provided plenty of reasons for students and faculty to complain. The electrical, plumbing and air-conditioning systems were outdated or nonexistent, and it had become an ongoing battle for administrators and staff to ensure the building's safety. In addition, the building was difficult to adapt to contemporary high school learning styles.
As part of the renovation, classrooms were demolished and the space used to construct a new common area, cafeteria and counseling offices. The school's awkward, zig-zag hallways were replaced with more organized linear passages that allow for better student supervision. The entire mechanical system was replaced and skylights were added to the common area and cafeteria to flood them with natural light. Other improvements included a new media center, weight room, administrative offices and gymnasium.
Teamwork was critical to the project. Ascent Construction and Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects began the CM/GC design process in early 2008, each with the understanding that the project's success would be determined by balancing the needs and safety of students, faculty and staff with the district's goals and budget. Once a preliminary design was developed, the team created a phasing strategy for construction to keep students safe and the building functional during renovation.
Portions of the school had to be shut down for extended periods, but the project team coordinated its work with school schedules and activities as well as public events. The center of the school, the students' common area, was closed, but crews worked three shifts to speed that part of the work and to minimize shutdown duration. Extensive coordination among faculty, staff, contractors and the owner ensured both the safety and comfort of everyone who occupied the school during the construction.
As part of the renovation, classrooms were demolished and the space used to construct a new common area, cafeteria and counseling offices.
Key Players
Owner: Davis School District, Farmington, Utah
Architect: Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects, Salt Lake City
General Contractor: Ascent Construction, Centerville, Utah
Civil Engineer: NV5, Salt Lake City
Structural Engineer: BHB Consulting Engineers, Salt Lake City
MEP: Van Boerum & Frank Associates Inc., Salt Lake City
Electrical Engineer: BNA Consulting Engineers, Salt Lake City
Entry submitted by Ascent Construction Inc.
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