Pentucket Regional High School
West Newbury, Mass.
BEST PROJECT
Sent by: WT Rich Co.
Owner: Pentucket Regional School District
Main design: Dore + Whittier Architects
General contractor: WT Rich Co.
Civil Engineer: Nitsch Engineering
Structural Engineer: Engineers Design Group Inc.
MEP Engineer: Vanderweil Engineers
Fire Protection Engineer: VAV International
Owner’s representative: The Vertex Cos.
Located on a hill with a former football field at a lower elevation, the site for the three-story, 212,000-square-foot building complicated a project that was already challenged by the proximity of the existing high school. In addition to implementing workplace safeguards, the project team’s analysis of sorting approaches optimized site logistics and streamlined material reuse, ultimately reducing management handling and disposal costs of the floor by more than $700,000.
From the outset, the work was affected by adverse weather conditions such as strong wind and rain. To maintain momentum and safeguard progress, the team applied innovative solutions such as the use of industrial shrink wrap for waterproofing. At the other extreme, drought-related pressures on the municipal water system required a rapid area-wide conservation response, such as leveraging on-site wells and implementing robust water control measures. the erosion
Photo courtesy of WT Rich Co.
Early morning starts and late afternoon finishes were critical to achieving milestones under budget and ahead of schedule. Substantially completed in time for the 2022-23 school year, the unified campus serves 1,250 middle and high school students and displays a distinctive combination of exposed wood and steel structural elements. A two-story wing housing students in grades 7 and 8 and a three-story wing for students in grades 9-12 are joined by a large lobby and common dining rooms.
The lobby’s beam and post construction is reminiscent of traditional barns, creating a seamless transition from buildings that reflect the rustic character of the city. The HVAC system, rooftop solar panels and smart building systems are expected to save up to $2 million in energy costs over the next 20 years, while reducing carbon emissions. Other features include a 610-seat performing arts centre, flexible activity spaces and digital infrastructure designed to prepare students for new and evolving technological demands.
With the new school up and running, the old middle and high school buildings were demolished to make way for new turf athletic fields and a 6,700 square meter stadium building. The entire $122.5 million project is targeting LEED Gold certification.
