Using locally-appropriate materials to integrate a school within the surrounding community
The community of Belton, Texas, desired an educational facility that addressed changing student needs and evolving learning methods. How? By promoting flexibility, collaboration, and connection. So, the Belton School District engaged our team to provide architectural and facilities planning services for South Belton Middle School—a 150,000 square foot building designed to complement the context of the city and its surrounding natural landscape.
The exterior of South Belton uses simple, functional, and locally-appropriate materials. Most notably, glass, metal, and stone elements represent durability and a historical connection to the area, while the inherent qualities of the land—and its natural features—inspired the site design. Existing slopes, specimen trees, antique farm buildings, and a relationship to the sun provide the main organizing features and establish a facility that Belton can be proud of.
Our plans accounted for functionality and flexibility, incorporating collaborative areas and small community spaces—pods—to serve several modes of learning. And not only did we create a facility to push modern standards of schooling in Belton, but we completed the project for more than $2 million under budget.
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