A New Building to Match a Unique Culture
Sturgis Charter Public School’s successful ‘International Baccalaureate for All’ program sets high expectations for its students within the classroom and beyond. The program challenges students to push their comfort zones and apply critical thinking to complex problems as well as develop the ability to approach difficult questions with a broad world-view. With this unique educational culture in mind, we set out to create a beautiful and inspiring space where students, teachers, and staff can greet each school day with energy and excitement.
Location
Hyannis, MA
Client
Sturgis Charter Public School
Size / Area
52,000 SF
Certifications
LEED Silver Certifiable
Students
400
Grades
9-12
On Time and On Budget With Modular Construction
In order to meet the school’s tight schedule and limited construction budget, we turned to modular construction, which shortened the construction time to approximately nine months. This allowed the building to open on time and on budget, without sacrificing the design.
“I was very impressed from the very beginning with how the Studio G team learned about the culture of our school. They focused on understanding the spirit of our school, and they really figured out a way for our new building to maintain that unique culture. It was interesting and fun to participate in their process.”
– Marion Weeks, Board of Trustees Secretary and Former Community Outreach Coordinator, Sturgis Charter Public School
Bright Interiors Enhance the Educational Environment
At the nexus of two academic wings, the lobby opens to a light-filled central stair hall that expands into a casual amphitheater for student presentations and gatherings. The bright welcoming space allows for meaningful interaction and engagement, further enhancing the school’s supportive and encouraging learning environment.
The school’s public areas, administrative offices and library/resource center on the first floor and special education and counseling areas on the second floor surround this open space. The hallways in each direction lead to:
- twenty classrooms
- five science labs
- specialty rooms for
- art
- theater
- music
Locker pods punctuate the end of each hallway for additional student gathering spaces.
Thoughtful Exteriors Mirror the Physical Environment
A wave-like colorful pattern on the outside of the building is reminiscent of the sea and sand of Cape Cod’s nearby shoreline. The ‘waves’ are contained by metal projections at entries and stairways. Where the two wings of the L-shaped building come together, a courtyard patio with picnic tables opens to the grounds beyond for recreation and social activities.
The site work conserved and restored wetlands and ecological stormwater management with bioswales and rain gardens.
