For instance, gardens double as science labs and eco-play trails connect recreation with environmental exploration. The campus even includes farm-to-table garden beds and a rooftop water harvesting system that manages stormwater and irrigation runoff through layered waterproofing and elevated pavers.

The 2,738-sq-ft rooftop garden and terrace, complete with brick pavers, raised garden beds and flexible workspaces, support outdoor instruction and sustainability-focused programming. Because the garden is located directly above the kitchen, the project team redesigned the exhaust routing through a portion of the rooftop garden, concealing the vent without detracting from the distinctive architectural design.

Photo by Kyle Zirkus, Kyle Zirkus Photo

Inside, a centrally located learning stair provides an inspiring setting for student-led brainstorming, collaboration and breakout sessions.

The use of a dual-insulation system, consisting of 5 in. of mineral wool plus interior rigid insulation, creates a building envelope that dramatically improves energy efficiency in the face of Arizona’s extreme heat.

Construction-phase challenges included safeguarding a preschool program that shares the site. Conduits carrying primary electrical lines were rerouted in the building footprint with a coordinated power switchover, allowing construction to proceed without disrupting the program’s daily operations.

When field crews encountered undocumented irrigation lines supporting ongoing educational programs, they acted quickly to reroute lines to maintain flow and avoid disrupting the landscape or programs in session.

Rebuilt campus features include shaded sports courts powered by solar panels, xeriscaping and gardens used for both teaching and cafeteria food production. A centralized courtyard brings the outdoors into the heart of the building, creating a shaded, versatile space for gathering and instruction.

Photo by Kyle Zirkus, Kyle Zirkus Photo

The campus was also built with future growth in mind, and the project team laid the groundwork for additional phases that will include a multipurpose field, a facility shed and service yard, a tree house plaza and an event lawn.

Throughout the construction process, emphasis was placed on subcontractor safety leadership training. The CHASSE team created and hosted dozens of safety leadership courses for the subcontractors’ foremen and employees aimed at safety awareness and best practices. The program held the subcontractor accountable for their team while also serving as an opportunity for them to grow as industry safety experts and leaders in the field.

Even with multiple concurrent construction activities, the project provided a valuable lesson in safety, recording 564,000 work hours with no injuries or recordable incidents.