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Nonnewaug High School

Renovate-As-New

the story

Nonnewaug High School was a 150,000 SF renovate-as-new project designed for 740 students. The construction of the renovated Nonnewaug High School was completed in 7 phases while the school remained in use.

at-a-glance

TYPE:
Renovate-as-new
PRACTICE:
Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Pre-Construction Services
Programming & Planning
Structural Engineering
LOCATION:
Woodbury, CT
STATUS:
Completed 2020
SIZE:
150,000 SF
INSIGHT

Nonnewaug High School tasked our team with major project goals:

  • Complete the renovate-as-new project with a 2013 budget despite renovating between 2017 and 2020
  • Create a 21st century learning environment and modern science labs within an occupied, in-use regional high school
  • Reopen the 2-story volume of the main academic corridor and allow daylight to penetrate the middle of the 40 year-old structure
  • Replace single-pane windows, add insulation, and replace all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to create an energy-efficient and comfortable building for the community
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SLAM renovated Nonnewaug High School with their goals in mind. 

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The new 2-story addition provides visible and secrue new main entrance and connects existing buildings on the campus with an inviting, light-filled volume.

SOLUTION
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BEFORE: The original 2-story corridor had been closed between floors in a previous renovation, was dimly lit and harsh in its finishes. 

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AFTER: The updated design reconnects the 2 floors, provides natural light in the form of solar tubes, and new lockers and finishes such as the wood accent to become an inspirational space. 

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BEFORE: The original auditorium was outdated with 3 different colored seats due to various remodels and asbestos flooring. 

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AFTER: The renovation of the high school’s performance stage including all new flooring, curtains, theatrical lighting, and sound system.

IMPACT

SLAM worked with administration and staff to assess space needs, balancing factors of enrollment, operations and safety. The renovation included the replacement of science labs and classrooms with new state-of-the art learning environments; installation of new hands-on learning labs; the renovation of a dated auditorium with all new audience seating, acoustic wall and ceiling treatments, and appropriate accessibility. The renovation of the high school’s performance stage including all new flooring, curtains, theatrical lighting, and sound system; renovation of the existing gymnasium by replacing the wood athletic floor, all gym equipment, spectator bleachers, and wall padding; renovation of library media center to include a maker space and updated technology; all new finishes and furniture in the cafeteria, kitchen, offices and conference rooms.

SLAM’s updates to Nonnewaug High School created a more comfortable space for its students, staff and community.

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