Weiss High School

Building Design – The building design included high ceiling areas which reduced the amount of above-ceiling area available to run conduit, cabling, fire alarm, security wiring, etc. In order to meet the client’s goal of minimal exposure of conduit and other items, the American Constructors team provided constructability input that routed these items underground without affecting the schedule or the budget.

Lighting and safety – Native materials, natural daylight, and LED lighting throughout contribute to a reduction of operating costs to the district. A secure vestibule was designed to deter potential threats from entering school. The all-masonry exterior shell with metal panels & stone accents was used because it’s durable, budget-friendly and low maintenance.

Flooring – The client wanted a low-maintenance, budget-friendly flooring solution that had the aesthetic look of terrazzo. Our team did not incorporate the structural slab into the flooring system, instead creating a topping slab separated from the structural slab with two layers of poly. This created a ‘floating’ slab, which reduced the likelihood of cracking of the surface over time due to soil movement.

Energy Savings – Clerestory windows and 100% LED lights throughout save on energy loads and native, durable materials such as brick, stone, ceramic tile and stained concrete reduce life cycle and maintenance. Low E glazing, operable shading devices as well as large roof overhangs decrease the heat load and HVAC demand. Underground Geothermal wells around the site paired with an efficient energy management system reduce energy use.