Central Elementary is a two-story K-6 elementary school built to replace the existing elementary and associated space center program in the foothills of Pleasant Grove, Utah. The 86,000-square-foot plan was designed using the Alpine School District two-story prototype and uniquely adapted to also include the historical Christa McAuliffe Space Center program. Since 1990 the Space Center has been inspiring and influencing the lives of thousands of children, teenagers, and adults in Utah and beyond. The simulators create an immersive environment where students can envision themselves in roles involving leadership, engineering, science, and more while encountering curriculum-based challenges. All while having an unforgettable and exciting time.

The school portion of the building totals 74,300 square feet accommodating 780 students. The compact two-story design for Central Elementary allowed the school to be built on the current site, allowing construction to take place for the new school while the existing school remained in full use. The separate 11,700-square-foot space center is designed to function year-round receiving field trips from local schools plus private groups and functions. The space center includes a 40-foot planetarium on the upper level with raised stadium theater seating for 70 spectators and a state-of-the-art digital projection system. On the lower level are six uniquely designed and finished mission simulators for groups ranging from six to fourteen participants providing an immersive experience and extending the imagination into space. Each simulator also includes an associated control room where employees and volunteers direct the unique missions. The building’s exterior finishes of brick masonry, tilt-up concrete, metal panel accents, and aluminum storefront glazing were selected to provide a high-tech space center feel while also complimenting the surrounding community. At the interior of the school, a combination of honed CMU and ceramic tile walls were selected for hallways and smooth blocks at the gymnasium and other high-use areas, for their durability and the overall structural integrity of the school. Space center finishes were also selected for durability while also providing a completely captivating experience.

As this adapted prototype is built into the sloping topography, the public and visitors enter the school and space center on the upper level, while the playgrounds are accessed from the back of the school at the lower level. The classrooms are oriented to take advantage of natural light.

Learning By Design Outstanding Project 2022

Architecture for Next-Level Athleticism  

Being the first of its kind, Ogden School District wanted to make a bold statement with this Athletic Center, not only in its architecture but also in its unique functionality and energy efficiency. The District hired VCBO Architecture and Hughes General Contractors to lead the effort in bringing that bold statement to life. The vision for this stand-alone athletic center was to break the mold of the traditional, boxy, cave-like, artificially lit, high school gymnasium complex by creating a fusion between an indoor practice facility for outdoor sports, with a highly transparent, visually engaging, and energy-efficient gymnasium complex, that accommodates all student athletic groups. The new Ben Lomond High School Athletic Center has proven to be a resounding success! The VCBO Architecture, Hughes General Contractors, and Ogden School District team have delivered a highly efficient, extremely functional, and absolutely beautiful building that has proven to be a truly dramatic statement of their combined commitment to the students of Ben Lomond High School now and well into the future. GO SCOTS!

Robert M. & Joyce S. Graham Science Center

The Snow College Science Center in Ephraim, UT, is a 56,600 SqFt hub for STEM education. Its interactive and flexible learning areas encourage exploration, including advanced labs, classrooms, faculty offices, and study spaces. Designed to inspire and support learning, this center invites students to dive into science and the natural world.

Respecting Snow College’s historical architecture, the center blends with its surroundings, especially two neighboring historic buildings. It features two wings—one for labs and another for classrooms and offices—connected by a transparent glass structure. A central courtyard offers an outdoor area for relaxation and collaboration. With facilities like six state-of-the-art labs for chemistry, biology, and general sciences, the center is a space for hands-on learning and discovery.

Architecture for Student-Focused Learning Environments

University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law

University of Utah Quinney College of Law

The S.J. Quinney College of Law is a distinctive building that expresses the dynamic programs, student-centric approach to learning, commitment to public service and focus on environmental stewardship. The VCBO | SmithGroupJJR team was engaged in 2009 to complete the pre-programming process. Following this early study's success, the team continued into programming and designing for the new facility.

The interior spaces include ample collaborative student study spaces, flexible centers to enable and promote innovative legal research and integrated study opportunities, as well as generous community and event spaces to facilitate the thousands of community-oriented events held by the college each year. Access to technology, a student study area with a kid's playroom, and proximity of students to faculty all aid in improving engagement and interaction for all building users. The site and building were designed for equal experiences for all visitors, regardless of abilities. The public-facing library is located on the first floor, most accessible to the regional transit systems. The elevators open on both sides to minimize disruption for those with limited mobility and the accessibility garden provides a comfortable path to travel east-west and access the heart of campus. The college is also optimally located at the southwest of the University of Utah, a key gateway to the campus and a welcoming plaza for building and campus visitors.

A LEED Platinum building, the law school integrates one of the first greywater reuse systems, titanium dioxide-infused concrete, and glass designed to reduce bird impacts. The S.J. Quinney College of Law is a sustainable beacon for the University and the broader community. It is a striking home for the college and a robust addition to both the University of Utah and the State of Utah.

Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus

The opening of the Primary Children's Hospital Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus represents a significant advancement in expanding pediatric healthcare in the rapidly growing Utah County and southern Salt Lake County region. The second full-service location of the world-renowned provider, the new campus will greatly enhance children’s healthcare in the Intermountain West and support Intermountain’s vision of building the nation’s model pediatric health system.

Led in partnership with Page Southerland Page, the project involved 19 months of detailed planning and design to create a comprehensive hospital and clinic in one contiguous structure with a focus on the community and Intermountain Health's needs, ensuring our efforts positively impact residents. VCBO facilitated extensive stakeholder workshops involving more than 130 participants to ensure the design would maximize efficient care delivery, patient well-being, and staff comfort.

The Miller Family Campus — designed with children at its heart — incorporates elements aimed at making patients and families as comfortable and engaged as possible. Beyond healthcare, the campus is designed to be a supportive environment, offering family spaces, childcare, and a park for all abilities, reflecting a focus on children.

The five-story, 66-bed facility adds vital pediatric services not previously available in the area, including trauma and emergency care, behavioral health, intensive care, and specialty surgical and clinical services. With state-of-the-art equipment and facilities — including intensive care units for newborns and children, a surgical unit, and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services — the Miller Campus stands as a beacon of outstanding pediatric healthcare in the region.

2019 | Award of Merit | ENR Mountain States

2022 | "Engineering on Display" | Utah Construction & Design 

Weber State University Noorda Engineering, Applied Sciences & Technology Building

"Architecture relies on engineered systems that are typically hidden from users view, but in the Noorda Engineering Building, these building systems are intentionally exposed, allowing students and occupants an honest view of the essential systems that bring the building to life."

— Celestia Carson, Principal VCBO Architect

Weber State University Noorda Engineering Building

The new Noorda Engineering Building is a reflection of the innovative and technically precise minds within its walls. Situated on the north end of Weber State University, the Noorda Engineering Building serves as the new home for the College of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology.  

VCBO’s team worked alongside Weber State University to design a functional and intuitive building; highlighting the elements and structures that often underlie engineered systems. The building’s dynamic sculpture, Between the Currents,  is inspired by “the invisible forces of nature, the hidden math behind them, and how unexpected beauty emerges when diverse sets of information converge.”

The building houses collaborative study spaces, academic classrooms, and labs for the departments of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, the School of Computing and sales. It also houses academic spaces for the early college High School: NUAMES. The new building provides an innovative space for students to learn, study, and thrive. 

The Wilmington Gardens project is a 278,323 square foot mixed-use project in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City that consists of 105 market-rate apartments, 7 luxury townhomes, 70,420 square feet of retail, bar, restaurant and office space, a large centrally located outdoor plaza that will feature a seasonal community garden and a 157 stall underground parking garage. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders with a vested interest in developing and designing an urban garden destination in the heart of the funky Sugar House business community.

This small parcel is nestled among an interesting mix of unique businesses, urban condominium dwellers, and satellite Westminster College teaching and living spaces, all abutting a protected riparian stream corridor called Hidden Hollow. The challenge and goal of the Salt Lake Redevelopment Agency for this little piece of land was to protect and enhance the riparian corridor, energize and drive the unique small business sector of the Sugar House community, create a public plaza gathering venue suitable for concerts, farmer’s markets, other community uses and provide affordable housing units in a community that is lacking in that regard. The plaza is a central connector that encourages foot traffic to public transportation, the nearby Sugar House Park, local businesses, Hidden Hollow, and the Westminster College campus auxiliary spaces.VCBO Architecture coordinated with the Woodbury and Colmena Group, Dee’s, Inc., Westminster College, the University of Utah’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, local Sugar House community activists, and the transportation planning firm of Fehr & Peers for the design of the Wilmington Gardens project.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Baton Rouge Temple was originally built in 2000. Demolition will consist of removing all MEP systems, interior framed walls, exterior wall, and roof finishes down to the framing, lighting, and plumbing fixtures, part of the mezzanine structure, tower structure down to footings, and the baptismal font and oxen. Only exterior and interior structural bearing walls and roof framing will be retained. Structural members will be replaced or repaired as necessary.

The renovated temple will result in a single-story 10,890 square foot wood and steel framed structure. A comprehensive precedent study was performed to realign the exterior and interior with the historic and classical architecture found in the southeast United States. The exterior has been redesigned to improve the overall massing, entry, and tower of the temple. As a result, the existing portico has been enclosed for a minimal addition to the building of 490 square feet. The tower’s steeple will be raised 10 feet from the existing height to better correspond to the revised entry. The new design will provide a high-performance envelope with an exterior clad in beige-colored limestone and new art glass window systems. The complete interior has been reconfigured to meet accessibility requirements, improve the overall functionality of ritual and support spaces, and increase the spatial volume of key areas of the temple. A new cast-in-place baptismal font, oxen, and complete interior finish package (e.g., furniture, fabrics, artwork, fixtures, decorative lighting, etc.) are included in this renovation. Both the exterior and interior design incorporates local architectural, cultural, and floral motifs to give the temple a distinct aesthetic tied to its geographic location and place. New MEP systems will be installed as part of the renovation with the air handler being placed at the base of the tower. Site improvements and new landscaping are also included in the project scope. Sidewalks, irrigation, fencing, site walls, and landscape around the building will be replaced as necessary during construction – replacing like for like. Site lighting for the sidewalks, stairs, and ramp around the building proper will also be added to address owner safety and security concerns. Parking lot lighting for the stalls around the immediate perimeter of the building will be replaced with new fixtures. A mechanical enclosure clad in manufactured stone, similar to the limestone, will be added to the site to screen a chiller and generator.

Architecture for Reverence and Awe to Thrive

The Temple was inspired by contemporary Italian design, yet based on classical Baroque Italian 16th Century architecture. The design from Italian architects Bernini and Borromini are expressed in the curved design and inspired by “San Carlos Alle Quattro Fontane” in Rome.

The Temple Complex's four major buildings, the Temple, Patron Housing, Visitor Center, and Chapel are designed around a traditional Italian Piazza with beautiful paved planted box areas, travertine paved surfaces and small pizzettas with olive trees and the center landscaped areas for quiet contemplation be Temple Patrons and Visitors.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The Bentonville Arkansas Temple is the first temple located in Arkansas. A relatively small town, Bentonville is nestled in the northwest corner of the state.

Designed with small town historical architecture in mind, the Temple was classically designed with simplified details. The stone carvings, decorative paint, and art glass patterns are reminiscent of quilting patterns and tatted lace, giving a nod to the small American town.  The building incorporates a diamond motif throughout its exterior and interior, as Arkansas is home to the only diamond mine in the United States.  

Dogwood Blossoms and sunbursts along with soft colors of red, yellow, and blue are reminiscent of an American quilt and the small town heritage of Bentonville. 

The Temple grounds showcase multiple Dogwood trees, prevalent in the area, along with a variety of local flora and fauna. 

The Provo Power Campus project involved revamping a 10-acre site that housed old administrative shop buildings, an aged power generation building, and a contaminated pole yard. By immersing ourselves in the organization's history and workflow, VCBO designed a building that exceeded expectations. 

VCBO's responsibilities included designing and documenting the new facilities and overseeing construction. The various departments were arranged considering the movement of staff and the potential flood risks, with essential emergency functions placed on the second floor. The new campus includes a two-story administrative office building, warehouse, maintenance bays, and extensive parking and storage areas. 

The building was granted LEED Gold Certification, reflecting its owner's commitment to sustainable practices. Power usage is partly counterbalanced by the installation of solar panels. These panels are cleverly mounted on truck canopies in the pole yard, providing a source of renewable energy for the facility.

By thoughtfully integrating Provo Power's rich history into the design, VCBO was able to deliver a project that not only provided an upgraded and functional space for Provo City's power needs but also resonated with the client and employees who use the space. 

Utah Tech University Greater Zion Stadium West Side Expansion

Designed to elevate Utah Tech University’s athletic and fan experiences to new heights, the Greater Zion Stadium West Side Expansion is a visionary addition to the southern Utah campus. The design introduces a cutting-edge skybox structure that houses a state-of-the-art press box, event operations center, and a range of premium seating options, including private suites, lounge seats, club seating, and an exclusive club lounge.

This expansion signifies the football program's ascent to NCAA Division I status by enhancing the university's athletic infrastructure with advanced training facilities, a renovated football team locker room, a team lounge, and equipment management areas. The addition of two extra levels within the skybox structure accommodates expansive athletics offices and team meeting spaces.

To improve fan engagement, the reimagined stadium entrance features a modernized entry plaza alongside a new ticketing and merchandise building, updated stadium fencing, and dynamic branding elements that stand out along the I-15 corridor. Altogether, these enhancements are set to boost student-athlete recruitment, enrich the spectator experience, and solidify the university's distinguished reputation in the region.

Design with Devotion and Local Immersion 

Characterized by its highly ornamented Mayan-inspired exterior, the Mexico City Mexico Temple is an acclaimed landmark in northeastern Mexico City, located near Bosque de Aragón—one of the city’s principal parks.

In 1983, Mexico City Temple was the first temple built in Mexico and is the 26th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. VCBO was hired as the architect for three phased projects from the years of 2006 to 2015 to replace the exterior concrete panels, remodel the temple interior and upgrade all utility systems of the project. The Mayan-inspired detailing from the exterior was incorporated more into the interior design of the building and the spaces were completely re-imagined and refreshed to provide church members with a more functional and modernized temple worship experience. The temple will continue to serve approximately 264,000 members for many years to come. 

The Fifth District Courthouse is located on the historic Tabernacle Street in St. George, Utah. Covering an expansive 93,000 square feet, this three-story structure required meticulous execution to meet the guidelines set by the Administrative Office of the Courts. 

The courthouse includes eight fully-equipped courtrooms. The design incorporates state-of-the-art security and technology features while preserving the traditional character of local architecture and harmonizing with St. George’s unique red sandstone setting. 

The exterior façade of the courthouse melds seamlessly into the planned Tabernacle Street Plaza, preserving existing trees and offering courthouse staff and visitors an attractive destination that accommodates their needs.

Weber State University Barbara and Rory Youngberg Football Center

This 23,000 SF football support facility will act as the prominent patron entry gateway at the north end of the Stewart Stadium on WSU’s Ogden Campus. This support facility will be known as Sark’s Boys Gateway (a reference to the WSU teams of the late 1960s that were coached by Sark Arslanian). The facility will include a home team locker room, suites, team meeting rooms, training and equipment facilities, a weight room addition, expanded restrooms, and ticketing/concession areas.

Sculpting Spaces with the Essence of Locale

The McAllen Texas Temple marks the fifth temple completed in Texas and the first in the Rio Grande Valley Region. The city’s southern border is the Rio Grande River. The temple’s design in Spanish Colonial takes its precedent and influence from the local city architecture and the architecture of Mexico.

The exterior of the building reaches a height of 108’-0” to the top of the tower. The upper most portion of the tower remains open, reminiscent of church bell towers. The warm beige exterior color reflects the style and landscape of the area. Corbeled arches, barbed quatrefoils and shell niches can be found on the exterior of the building enhancing the architecture style. The citrus blossom incorporates the local culture and economy of the citrus groves throughout the valley.

The Temple grounds were designed to create a paradise of local floral and fauna. A variety of palm trees, succulents, grasses and florals can be found on site.

Typical of Spanish Colonial Architecture, the interiors reflect an understated elegance. Doors and openings are embellished to become focal points. Windows and door openings are carved out of the walls, subtractive instead of additive, reminiscent of thick adobe walls. Corbels and barrel vaults with decorative paint adorn the ceilings. The blues, golds and greens of the art glass throughout the building reference the state flower, the bluebonnet, and other elements of the Texas landscape.

Weber State University Stewart Stadium East Seating Replacement

As a symbol of Weber State University’s vibrant athletic culture, the newly revitalized Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Stadium east stadium seating will continue to foster this community spirit for generations of Wildcats.

This project replaced what was deemed “the oldest concrete structure” on campus with a new cast in place concrete risered stadium seating for 5,440 occupants.  The new stadium seating improves sightlines, provides ADA seating, and adds a mid-level concourse that can house food trucks and concessions stands.  

Faced with weather-induced challenges, our team — alongside esteemed partners — employed a deep-pile foundation system to ensure structural integrity in a seismic event and adherence to the project schedule.

VCBO’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the meticulous attention to detail, from robust cast-in-place concrete structures to vibrant, intuitive wayfinding signage. Beyond a sports venue, the renovated Stewart Stadium stands as a strong community pillar, poised to host a diverse array of sporting and community events, fostering communal bonds and creating enduring memories in the heart of Ogden.

This replacement is an essential phase in the incremental growth and upgrade of the entire university stadium. The stadium, track, and field enhancements accommodate the growth of Weber State’s athletic program through ticket sales, guest experience, recruitment, and retention, and provide a facility that enables student athletics to thrive.

2023 | Outstanding Community Impact Project | Utah Construction & Design 

“This team took the intricacies of public safety and protecting citizens and combined it into a building that promotes efficiency...” Scott Henderson, Project Director for Provo City

The new Provo City Hall and Public Safety Building replaced an aging 40-year-old facility to form a new civic hub and gateway to the downtown core. It houses city administration departments, city council chambers, a community meeting room, mayor’s office, customer service, emergency dispatch, police department functions, and fire department administration.  

Looking toward a more sustainable future, the new Provo City Hall was designed as a net-zero facility. The building is located on the central downtown transportation artery and is anchored to the urban grid via a civic entry plaza on Provo's historic Main Street. 

With Utah's native landscape in mind, the dynamic four-story lobby was designed to evoke elements of a slot canyon. Ample daylighting is both practical and beautiful, reducing electricity consumption and enhancing the natural interior feel. Additionally, wood finishes mingle with artificial materials to highlight elements of nature within the facility.

The new building is a hallmark of sustainable architecture and engineering. Functional, innovative, sustainable, and resilient, the new city campus is set to serve Provo for decades to come. 

Elevating Legal Landscapes with Innovative Design

Replacing an aging, undersized, and insecure court facility, The Second District Juvenile Courthouse is a welcome addition to the Ogden skyline.  Positioned in the developing north side of downtown, the building provides an anchor for future commercial development in this up-and-coming area.  

The design utilizes the State of Utah court prototype, previously constructed in St. George, Logan, West Jordan, and Tooele. Distinguishing from earlier models, the courthouse features eight courtrooms distributing a courtroom set on each floor from the second to the fifth, promoting an efficient flow of legal proceedings and optimized space usage. The ground floor includes probation offices, clerical areas, mediation spaces, and support services, enhancing convenience and accessibility for visitors. 

The courthouse showcases architecture that blends functionality with aesthetics. Its notable height enriches the Ogden skyline and promotes natural lighting in the courtroom spaces. Thoughtfully designed interiors ensure a safe, welcoming environment for juveniles, aiding rehabilitation and effective communication. This modern courthouse is a testament to Utah’s commitment to justice and youth welfare, successfully refining elements from earlier facilities and enhancing them with new technology to ensure a proficient and respectful juvenile justice system.

Stadium Facilities that Make a Statement 

University of Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium South End Zone Expansion

The celebrated home of Utah Football has undergone a significant expansion. The new South End Zone at Rice Eccles Stadium is now fully enclosed, providing a continuous concourse around the stadium. The refurbished South End Zone proudly accommodates an additional 6,049 spectators, which pushes the overall seating capacity of the stadium well beyond 51,000. 

The South End Zone is a premium hub for fans and teams, featuring luxurious club spaces, private loge boxes, and innovative ledge seating. The rooftop terrace offers incredible game views, while advanced locker facilities ensure seamless transitions on and off the field. This expanded space represents an optimal blend of comfort, style, and practicality, enriching the game-day experience for all.

The Salt Lake City Main Library has been ranked in the top 150 favorite buildings in a nationwide poll commissioned by the AIA and conducted by Harris Interactive. The library ranked 69th out of 150. The findings come as no surprise to the library staff, who say that on a daily basis visitors and patrons tell library staff that they love the building.

The Salt Lake City Main Public Library features a triangular main building, an adjacent administration building, a glass-enclosed Urban Room, and an exterior public piazza. A curving, climbable wall weaves the site together and contains shops and food establishments as well as steps that ascend to a rooftop garden. The glass-enclosed Urban Room and piazza flow together, uniting interior and exterior spaces. 

The Urban Room is a space for all seasons, generously endowed with daylight, open to significant views and, since it extends the full height of the building, a pivotal point of visual orientation. Multi-level reading areas along the transparent southern façade of the building look out onto the piazza, the city, and the Wasatch Mountains beyond. At night the glass façade, lit from within, appears in the crescent-shaped reflecting pool, extending into the outdoor space.

Intermountain American Fork Specialty Clinic 

Intermountain Health American Fork Specialty Clinic

Intermountain American Fork Specialty Clinic

The four-story American Fork Specialty Clinic, situated on the campus of the existing American Fork Regional Hospital, forms the initial phase of a two-part project. The clinic is home to approximately 20 medical specialties and includes an Instacare, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy suite, administrative offices, and extra room for expansion. 

The clinic's exterior design harmonizes with the current hospital by using like materials. While it aligns with the older aesthetic, the design also introduces a fresh, modern look to the campus, which contains numerous aged structures. Interiors are organized in a traditional patient/caregiver configuration with caregivers in each patient area having direct access to each Exam via a common corridor.

The American Fork Specialty Clinic improves healthcare services with its diverse specialties and modern design, optimizing experiences for patients and staff.

Innovative Architecture for Innovative Education 

Deseret Peak High School is the second school in the state designed with the flexibility required to support future learning models. This design was a result of a hands-on collaborative planning process with involvement from Tooele County School District administrators, staff, faculty, students, and the VCBO architectural team. Utilizing a series of interactive workshops with the stakeholders, key design ideas including different size classrooms, flexible learning spaces, collaborative learning suites with maker space labs, and teacher office suites were developed.

With a focus on increased efficiency and overall project costs, the Tooele County School Board challenged VCBO to hit a utilization factor of 95% in the new high school prototype. VCBO achieved this goal by moving teachers from their classrooms and into teacher office suites designed to provide teachers with all of the amenities necessary for their continued success. Another key aspect to achieving this goal was to create three learning studio types of varying sizes. Another key design element was the safety of students and staff. Each compartmentalized learning suite is created to optimize daylight, transparency, and safety. The resultant design of the new high school is safe, energy-efficient, supportive of current and future learning models, and continues the goals of the District to enhance collaborative learning.

The doTERRA Medical Clinic and Research Facility is the first family medicine clinic within the doTERRA Group. The clinic merges the latest advancements in traditional medicine and the therapeutic benefits of doTERRA Oil Therapy. This three-story building serves doTERRA employees and their families, with plans to expand to the public by adding more clinics on the upper levels. 

The clinic's design fosters a warm, healing environment for patients, featuring naturally lit exam and consultation rooms with calming views. Core facilities – including a nurse station, wellness, acupuncture, dietitian offices, imaging, and procedure rooms – are centrally located for convenient access and efficient service. The design process also prioritized employee wellness, with advanced medical equipment and adjustable furnishings ensuring a comfortable work environment. The doTERRA Medical Clinic and Research Facility stands as a beacon of innovative healthcare design, harmonizing patient-centric elements, modern technology, and holistic wellness.

Weber State University Stromberg Student Activity Center

VCBO Architecture is providing design and construction administration services for a student activity center addition to the Stromberg Athletic Complex at Weber State University. The University has grown fast and needs recreation spaces that can accommodate demand and provide comparable facilities to other Universities. The fresh approach to the remodeled Stromberg student activity and athletic center pays close attention to the University's brand as a part of the design. The project includes student exercise spaces, locker rooms, administration offices, a suspended running track, and a pedestrian bridge to link the Stromberg Athletic Complex together with the new Student Activity Center. The new construction and retrofitted spaces comprise approximately 60,000 square feet with a budget of $9,200,000.00. The Weber State Wildcat Center for Health, Education, and Wellness is a 30,000 SF addition to the existing Stromberg Complex Health and Physical Education Center. This two-story addition houses the Campus Recreation program and student recreation spaces (two fitness studios, an open fitness space, and locker rooms). The project also includes a pedestrian bridge linking the existing Stromberg and Swenson Complex, as well as a suspended running track inside the Stromberg Arena.

Weber State University Dumke IPE Building Physicians Assistant Space

This project consists of a remodel of an existing building to add a Physician's Assistant Program to the campus of Weber State University. The remodel includes the creation of debriefing spaces, a patient simulation room, a control room, exam rooms, classroom spaces, additional office space, and revisions to the existing student lounge space to provide food and study accommodations.

The new Integrated Wellness Center is an exciting development for Westminster College. The forward-thinking campus will support a holistic model of health and well-being.

Westminster College Integrated Wellness Center

The new Integrated Wellness Center is an exciting development for Westminster College. The forward-thinking campus will support a holistic model of health and well-being. It will stand as an important pillar for the university's integrated wellness program with spaces for the Student Health Services, the Counseling Center, the Office for Global Peace and Spirituality, and support spaces for the Center for Financial Wellness. 

Educational Spaces with the Future in Mind

Golden Spike Elementary School is a new, two-story school built on an existing school site in Brigham City, Utah. The new 1,000 student population bridges two existing elementary schools from the District together under one roof. The District selection committee evaluated many different existing prototypes throughout the State of Utah and elected to modify VCBO’s award-winning Davis School District prototype design, first seen at Odyssey Elementary School in North Salt Lake City, Utah.

Golden Spike Elementary has been designed to be a net zero building through the inclusion of a robust building envelope, a 3 stage evaporative cooling system coupled with a geo-thermal heat pump system, and highly efficient LED lighting. This approach has reduced the annual operating costs for previous versions of this prototype to approximately 37 cents per square foot, as opposed to the 98 cents per square foot most designs are currently operating at. Additionally, a photovoltaic array has been included on the roof to further reduce energy costs. This measure has been estimated to reduce the remaining operating costs to approximately 17 cents per square foot, resulting in cost savings for the District. 

The reconfiguration was master planned and then designed and constructed in two phases. VCBO managed design and construction supervision for the second phase. The project included a new clinic, a renovated main hospital entrance, upgraded food services including new kitchen and dining spaces, an extended loading dock, new clinic check-in and hospital registration, remodeled lab, labor and delivery remodeling, PACU addition, med surg remodeling, endoscopy procedure, administrative space remodeling, infusion, and a comprehensive interior overhaul. The scope of work also included significant site work with a new entrance and circular roadway connecting Highway 40 to the hospital and nearby residential areas.

Phase 1 design included five Integrated Design Events (IDE) with stakeholders from the hospital, administrators, facilities, corporate specialty experts, and patients.  These events produced a comprehensive project program and Schematic Design documents.  Phase 2 design efforts concentrated on incorporating the program and decisions from Phase 1 into complete construction documents ensuring that Intermountain’s Branding and Design Guidelines were successfully executed.

85,000 (new construction); 25,000 (remodel)

Situated in the upscale resort town of Park City, Utah, home to the United States Ski Team, the Sundance Film Festival, and famous for skiing and year-round outdoor activities, this facility serves an international clientele. The architecture is reminiscent of the surrounding mountains and mining history and features rough mountain timbers, local stone, and rustic metal. It has indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a dining facility frequented by local residents. Work includes clinical spaces, expanded PT space, wellness facility, patient beds, operating rooms, and a large conference center.

Versatile Design for Versatile Healthcare Needs

This stand-alone facility located in southwestern Utah brings together into one building services from a number of different locations in St. George. It is designed using Lean principles and an on-stage/off-stage delivery system. It houses a variety of specialties including a full-service Imaging Suite, Physical Therapy, and Med Spa. Careful attention was paid in the design phase to eliminate waste and select economical materials appropriate to the harsh summer heat while providing a new image of healthcare to the region.

University of Utah Spencer Fox School of Medicine

New construction of a maximum building size of 327,300 gross square feet at a total construction cost of $134,000,000.00. The Spencer Fox School of Medicine Building will include a gross anatomy lab that will support up to 150 students, a body donor program including cadaver storage, high fidelity, flexible simulation facilities to support task trainers, mannequins, specialized environments such as Operating Rooms, virtual reality, 3-D printing, gaming, and applications development to support simulation and training, conference facilities, problem-based learning classrooms with state of the art technology, new office solutions to support an increasingly mobile workforce, food service to support and serve as a magnet on the core campus, lobby/exhibition space, medical student study and support area, School of Medicine Dean's office functions and green/gathering space at the exterior of the building. Additional Services: Simulation/Lab Planning, AV System, AV Antenna, Seismic Design for Non-Structural Electrical and Mechanical Components, Acoustical Engineering, Security Systems, LEED Silver, Food Services, and Pre-Program Scope Addition.

Utah Tech University Science, Engineering, and Technology Building

The Science, Engineering & Technology (SET) Building at Utah Tech University is home to labs and classroom spaces including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geo Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Technology, and Computer labs as well as faculty offices and other support spaces. This project also includes the demotion of the existing Performing Arts Building and the demolition and repaving of the existing Whitehead Education Building.

Westminster College Meldrum Science Center

Designed by VCBO Architecture, the state-of-the-art Westminster College Meldrum Science Center has earned the highest LEED certification rating of platinum. The $30-million facility features more than 53 environmentally-friendly features. From solar panels on the roof to unique water conservation features, the building offers abundant sustainable elements. Some of the top environmentally-friendly features include daylight sensors that automatically control the use of artificial lighting, building materials that are locally sourced and environmentally sound, flooring and exhibit boxes made of reclaimed wood, construction waste that was recycled up to 85 percent, and state-of-the-art zone ventilation and filtration systems.

The four-story, 65,000-square-foot, Meldrum Science Center includes 14 high-performance integrated labs/classrooms and five dedicated research labs, as well as open space for students and faculty from different disciplines to discuss new concepts and conduct research collaboratively. The building is designed to facilitate active, experiential, interdisciplinary, and collaborative learning through the use of open, flexible classroom spaces and research labs. The Meldrum Science Center is geared toward teaching students and faculty how to be good stewards of our natural resources and is a functioning example of "building as a learning tool" where form mirrors function.

Innovative Classroom Design and Educational Infrastructure

Utah State University Regional Campus Distance Education Building

This four-story facility is the headquarters building for the Utah State University Regional Campus Distance Education Network. It includes several send/receive classrooms that facilitate the production of learning content that is distributed to USU’s statewide campuses. The building also houses the Utah Education Network which provides the infrastructure/network to communicate over the airwaves with the Regional Campus locations.

Pioneering Architecture for the Next Generation of Pioneers

Weber State University Tracy Hall Science Center

As the most important academic building project in the University’s history, the new science building has given WSU a world-class science learning facility that will help educate Utah’s next generation of science professionals and other allied fields of study. Tracy Hall Science Center is 172,500 SF, housing the University’s science and math programs, including Botany, Chemistry, Geosciences, Microbiology, Physics, Zoology, and Mathematics.

Scientific Precision for Science Education

Utah State University Life Sciences Building

This facility will house the Biology Department at Utah State University, and serve the science learning community in correlation with the existing BNR Building, to the north. This new facility provides research and core teaching laboratories along with innovative classrooms, faculty offices, and graduate student workspaces. Anticipated to be a LEED Gold facility, this new building will provide efficient, comfortable, and innovative spaces for the students and campus community at Utah State University.

Utah Tech University Holland Centennial Commons

Utah Tech University’s Holland Centennial Commons is symbolic of a new breed of mixed-use and fusion campus buildings. It combines traditional resources of a classroom with those of a library to optimize resources and space. In addition to discipline-related offices and resource centers, it also features informal meeting spaces, recreation areas, and food-service — environments typical of a student center. 

The Centennial Commons building is representative of a cross-section campus; connecting the multi-faceted aspects of student life under one roof. This holistic model supports an environment for both teaching and learning while providing amenities that support study and recreation-oriented programs. A vibrant art installation made up of 13,000 books is the focal point of the commons; creating visual interest and an inviting environment for students to live, learn, and thrive. 

The new football center at The University of Utah is a bold new vision for future competition; one that has inspired other universities throughout Utah. These improvements have made a significant impact on the university’s football program and have aided in the success of recruiting. The quality of the facility is up to the standards of other PAC 12 competitors and has heightened the experience and pride of the football program. 

University of Utah Eccles Football Center

With The University of Utah’s entry into the PAC 12 Conference in 2011, the football program experienced a new, highly competitive environment with enormous challenges. After 25 years, the University of Utah Eccles Football Center had become outdated and no longer served the football program’s needs. Since the scope and quality of football facilities are highly influential in successful recruiting, the need for a new athletic facility became critical to the future success of the football program. 

VCBO worked closely with the director of football operations to plan, design, and develop an elevated and functional facility. With user experience at the forefront of the design decisions, VCBO integrated The University of Utah brand throughout the building with the recognizable logo and striking crimson color used consistently in each of the spaces. Not only do these design choices help to facilitate wayfinding, they provide a holistic brand experience that builds a sense of community and school pride.

Functional, human-centric design was integrated into each space, creating a comfortable environment for players to train, study, and build team unity and camaraderie. The new football center features branded locker rooms, state-of-the-art training and therapy facilities, strength and conditioning spaces, team instructional spaces, dining and kitchen facilities, staff offices, and an inspiring Hall of Honor that infuses the spirit, history, and future of the university’s football program.

Westminster Health Wellness and Athletic Center

The Westminster Health, Wellness & Athletic Center integrates health and well-being into the heart of the college through an imaginatively conceived central campus recreation center where healthy activities are celebrated by (and accessible to) students and faculty alike. From swimming to soccer, from running to aerobics, and from weight training to climbing, this facility supports student recreation activities alongside the athletic spaces required for varsity student-athletes. Functional adaptations of historically derived architectural elements help capture and modulate daylight and contribute to seamless building integration within its historic campus context.

In addition, the design maximized the different heights of the gymnasium, pool, and locker rooms to provide space for the School of Nursing for two-thirds of the cost of a standalone building. The Nursing School fosters a clear sense of being in the middle of the activity, because the climbing wall penetrates their floor, letting nursing students watch climbers from their lounge area. To complete the optimization of scarce space on this urban campus, an International size soccer field was elevated above a parking garage, furnishing 370 parking stalls and effectively hiding cars from the abutting residential neighborhood while doubling the amount of usable space on the site.

Award: 
2023 | Outstanding Higher Education Project | Utah Construction & Design 

Gillmor Hall is an expansion of Westminster College’s performing arts complex, the Jewett Center for the Performing Arts. The expansion is a total of 28,000 Sq Ft which takes advantage of the green space located between the Jewett Center and Payne Gymnasium and features many remarkable additions.

The updated complex will enable the Music, Dance, and Theater departments to grow and create new opportunities for students. Included in the expansion is a 93-seat recital hall, dance/performance studios, sound-proof rehearsal studios, a practice hall, a student lounge, a new costume studio, an expanded scene shop, and a grand lobby for art exhibits and events.

This project has breathed life into Westminster’s performing and visual arts programs. It has provided the resources needed for the programs to maintain their iconic status as some of the finest arts programs in the region, and VCBO Architecture is honored to have played a role in making that possible.

Utah State University Wayne Estes Athletics Competition and Training Facility

The $9.7 million, 32,000 square-foot basketball practice facility and volleyball competition venue contains two regulation-size basketball courts and a regulation-size volleyball competition court with chair back seating for 1,400 fans, along with a training room and in-season strength and conditioning area. Office space for both men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball are also included in the new facility, as well as a locker room and film room for volleyball. Ticketing and concession services are also available on Game Days.

Paperbox Lofts (PBL) is a six-story, 195-unit multi-family complex located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. PBL was developed in conjunction with the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Association with a focus on pedestrian connections and amenities including a mid-block public thoroughfare. There is a mix of live / work units on the ground level, along with retail and community spaces. The exterior of PBL is unique among current multi-family projects going on in the city; a great deal of attention has been paid to how the façade interacts with the street, creating unique opportunities for distinctive units in those areas. There is a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment units located throughout the project. Building C provides unparalleled premium units that occupy the entire floor plate and come complete with an elevator that opens directly into the unit.

There are abundant exterior spaces to be enjoyed by the residents, including a rooftop sunset deck overlooking the Oquirrh mountain range and an elevated lounge connected to a see-and-be-seen amenity deck with views to the Wasatch. There is also an on-site fitness center and a large clubhouse with a common kitchen.

Paperbox Lofts will also feature Salt Lake City’s first freestanding and largest automated vehicle parking system. The level vehicle high system is fully automated and can allow parking of 102 vehicles in the space of 18 stalls.

Connective Communal Spaces for People to Thrive

The Zephyr is an eight-story multi-family project in downtown Salt Lake City, sitting in the historic warehouse district on the old rail yards for the city. It was named after the historic Zephyr train that served Salt Lake City along its route to San Francisco from Chicago and houses 137 units, mixed between studios, and one- and two-bedrooms.

This building is a prime urban residence, locating functions at the ground level that will activate street engagement, creating a more interactive environment for all city residents and visitors. There is a tenant fitness area right on the street along with a small neighborhood bar with outdoor seating and windows that bring the city environment inside. On upper levels, there is a yoga/meditation studio, and ample leasable storage opportunities, including a ski locker room for all your winter-time gear. 

The outdoor amenities are especially exceptional at the Zephyr. There is a courtyard with discrete lounge areas and space for a band to play on special occasions, accompanied by fire pits and lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. There is a year-round spa that will be cool in the summer and warm in the winter, with Jacuzzi jets and a swim-current jet at the end that will allow swimming or surf paddling.

What really makes this project unique is the two upper-level bridges. There is a lounge bridge with seating and fire pits located on Level 5 and then a larger bridge on Level 8 that connects to the clubhouse. This bridge will feature eating areas, gas grilles, and movable furniture that will accommodate larger gatherings including rooftop sunrise yoga. These bridges are the main feature of the façade, completing the volume of the building along its frontage. They are billboards for the project, highlighting the greenery and vibrancy of the spaces that they house. It is a bold gesture to showcase the uniqueness of this design.

Westminster On The Draw is an 87,000-square-foot, mixed-use student apartment complex located in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City, serving as an off-campus facility for Westminster University. The building is seven stories and houses 42 student common areas, a spacious outdoor terrace, 7,000 square feet of retail space, and a 15,225-square-foot academic suite, which includes a 4,511-square-foot multi-purpose classroom/conference area. 

Accompanying the building is a six-story parking structure that spans 115,600 square feet, offering 297 parking stalls. The entirety of the complex aims to provide Westminster students with an urban living experience in a lively neighborhood near campus. The standard student apartment layout consists of four bedrooms centered around a shared living room, kitchen, outdoor deck, and two bathrooms.

Utah Construction & Design | Most Outstanding Design-Build Project 2023

The newly renovated married, family, and graduate student housing at the University of Utah’s West Village site combines contemporary living with community warmth. The first phase of this expansive development includes three new five-story student housing buildings totaling 420,000 square feet. These buildings were designed for a diverse student community, providing homes for graduate students, international scholars, married couples, and families. Each building in the West Village complex was designed to reflect the feel of a Salt Lake City neighborhood, offering modern comfort and style. Beyond mere living spaces, these buildings are part of a community.

The project features 504 apartments, each designed for comfort and convenience. The design includes outdoor courtyards and community gathering spaces to foster interaction among residents. This housing solution demonstrates our commitment to providing quality living spaces and enhancing the student experience at the University of Utah.

Intermountain LDS Hospital Simulation Center

Intermountain LDS Hospital Simulation Lab

The Simulation Center is a medical training facility located in the existing 100+ year old LDS Hospital. The 11,000 square-foot facility is designed to help train current and future doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians. 

The center has three inpatient rooms, a fully outfitted operating room, a labor and delivery suite with an infant resuscitation station, a procedure lab, and a home health suite, all remotely observed and controlled from a centralized command center. In addition, interactive computer-operated mannequin simulators facilitate training on a full range of clinical interventions. 

Key design considerations including creating state-of-the-art exploration and teaching spaces demonstrated in Intermountain Health’s commitment to improve healthcare delivery and innovation.

Design & Materials to Reflect Local Landscape

VCBO Architecture completed a major renovation, reconfiguration, and overall modernization for Alta High School. Although the main building is now 40 years old, the decision was made to design a major renovation rather than a complete replacement. This not only made financial sense but proved to be less disruptive for students, faculty, and the community. The priorities determined by the project’s stakeholders included a new façade that reflects a new brand, a new performing arts center, renovated commons, reconfigured student services and reception areas in a central location, relocation of the performing arts programs into a new performing arts center, the addition of a field house, reconfigured parking lots to provide more parking spaces, and upgrades to the HVAC, AV, and lighting throughout the school facilities.

Materials were an important component in the planning and construction processes. It was important to the stakeholders that Alta High appear as a new school from the street and within. With this in mind, VCBO selected materials that are economical and easily maintained yet bold and bright, with hard-wearing finishes appropriate for the heavy wear required to withstand high activity, teenage users. The materials selected also serve to highlight the school’s new brand, wayfinding, and in providing natural light to interior spaces.

This project is the reconfiguration of the existing Alta View Hospital Campus through a series of renovations, demolition of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings. This project includes 2 new buildings, a Central Utility Plant, renovation of existing buildings and the demolition of existing buildings to be abandoned once the new buildings are built. This project is broken down into 2 major components. The "Hospital" and the "Clinic."

Utah Chapter of Landscape Architecture Honor Award 

The Edwin F. Guth Memorial Award for Interior Lighting Design

Excellence in Concrete, Excellence in Construction

2nd Place Best Award, K-12 Education Project of the Year

Merit Award, Excellence in Masonry Design

Odyssey Elementary School was the first in a series of elementary schools for the Davis School District. The school is two stories, organized around a central Commons/Dining area, with classroom areas organized into two, multi-story wings. Each wing houses an integrated collaboration space that supports a project-based curriculum. One of the primary goals during the design of the school was to provide an integrated theme, in this case, “Bodies in Motion”. The exterior of the building has undulating metal panels that reference the scales of a fish to evoke motion.

VCBO’s K-12 team is dedicated to innovative design solutions for 21st Century learning. Since its inception, Odyssey Elementary has received 10 awards and has been featured in both local and national publications for its innovative design solutions and commitment to sustainability. The school also  achieved “Net Zero” status and was the first building in the state of Utah to receive a LEED Gold Certification. 

Odyssey Elementary’s unique approach to flexible work spaces, collaboration, and an open learning environment demonstrates how methodical and innovative design can prepare young people for success. 

Dynamic Materials and Dynamic Environments 

VCBO Architecture was selected in September 2017 as the architect for the replacement for Union Middle, with the goal of producing a modified version of the recently completed, successful Midvale Middle School, to be located on the east side of the site. In January of 2020, VCBO began regular meetings with the CSD facilities staff and Union Middle School leadership. Following these initial meetings, individual departments were engaged to develop a program and discover Union-specific needs. After a number of meetings with these groups, a list of goals/priorities was formed for the project, as follows:

1 THE SITE WILL BE OCCUPIED BY THE SCHOOL DURING CONSTRUCTION

The current school sits in the middle of the site, facing south, straddling a steep slope. With the intention to keep the school open during construction of the replacement school, the decision was made to design the new building facing west on the far east side of the site along 700 East. This will give the new building a strong presence along the 700 East while embracing good solar orientation for classroom wings and a protected west-facing entry. A clear separation between construction and the existing school, creating little disruption, is to be maintained through completion. A small section of classrooms on the east side of the school, (a previous addition), is to be demolished to accommodate this separation.

2 REPEATING MIDVALE MS IS NOT WHAT IS BEST FOR UNION

After meeting multiple times with CSD, Union Administration, and UMS departments, it became clear that it would be better to use the Midvale plan as a "kit of parts" to design a new layout specific to the needs of the Union community.

A conversation with UDOT regarding the creation of an access route for staff parking from and onto 700 East is still in negotiation. The majority of parking and student dropoff will occur in the front (west) parking lot, with access from 80000 South. The CSD successfully purchased the old, disused LDS seminary building located to the north and a property on 78000 South. This will be configured into access for buses, deliveries, and staff. The deliveries and bus drop will be located on the north side of the building.

The building is a configuration of eight massed building blocks:

The blocks are separated by 60' courtyards enclosed on three sides to provide outdoor learning environments while allowing maximum natural lighting to flood into all interior spaces. The main entrance is designed to be easily identifiable, creating an iconic canopy that acts as a branding moment for the school and a shelter from the elements. Inside the main entry, a high-volume space acts as a Welcome Hall which provides access to Administration, a large multi-purpose room (The Bobcat Den), and as an axis leading patrons to the 650-seat auditorium. Each classroom block has a central collaboration space designed for project-based learning activities, tutoring, and small group activities, lined with classroom spaces. The 2D and 3D art suites will be accessed through an art gallery proudly showcasing student art. The Athletic block will have two full courts with a dividing curtain. A running track hangs above the gymnasium, creating a three-lane circuit on all four sides. Exercise and dance studios will be located above the locker rooms. Provision has been made for separate locker rooms that will accommodate all genders. The commons is a double-height space accessed from the main hallway on both levels. A learning stair will anchor the space, acting as a magnet for students to sit, eat, learn, recharge devices, and just hang out. Large window walls face into a student courtyard, with doors allowing students to pour out into the courtyard, where they will find a number of attractions; ball walls, climbing walls, basketball, a large grassy area, and a health-promoting obstacle course.

Hard-wearing, robust, dynamic (yet economical) construction materials will be used throughout the project. The main blocks will act as a solid anchor composed of load-bearing 16x4 and 16x2 Atlas Brick in a mix of warm gray tones. The larger masses at the gym, auditorium, and Bobcat Den will be clad with vertical profile metal panels, multi-toned in a blue/gray color pallet, and installed in a random, dynamic pattern. Solid blue metal panels will be used at key moments such as the front entry, glass block central window extrusions, and courtyard end walls. Gold will be used sparingly as a trim accent color at window reveals and sun shades. Perforated metal panels around the building will create signage and branding opportunities along with shading the windows. A large digital display marque will be installed high on the back of the auditorium. This will give a strong presence for the school on the busy corner of 700 East and 80000 South Tilt-up concrete panels will be used as an economic structural element in main large blocks. All interior exposed tilt-up panels will be finished with a textured "form liner" giving a dynamic look with shadows and reveals. Interior materials used will be economical and easily maintained yet bold and bright, with hard-wearing finishes appropriate for the heavy-duty wear required to withstand the high activity of young teenage users. A strong focus on school branding, wayfinding, and natural light in interior spaces are all major drivers in the design.

Butterfly Roofs, Solar Panels, Beautiful Canopies 

Farmington Bus Canopies & Maintenance Facility

The Farmington Solar Bus Canopies are part of the Farmington High School Campus. The unique butterfly roofs create an optimal angle for the solar panels and allow drainage away from the roof edges. The solar generation on-site helps to offset the electrical use of the high school. Careful consideration was given to the orientation of the buses because of the high winds from Farmington Canyon. To decrease the overall cost of this project the canopy’s galvanized roof does not have a roof membrane shingled to the drain.

Farmington High School is a unique and innovative comprehensive high school as a result of a hands-on collaborative planning process involving Davis School District administrators, staff, faculty, students, and VCBO Architecture. Utilizing a series of interactive meetings with the stakeholders, key design ideas including different size classrooms, flexible learning spaces, and learning suites with teacher offices were developed. In conjunction with this input, VCBO Architecture conducted a detailed study of class sizes of four DSD high schools which provided integral data that acted as a driver in the change of the high school design model that the District had been using. The design of the new high school uses fact-based assumptions for class size, accommodates project- and problem-based learning, and continues the model of collaborative learning that Davis School District has been a leader in propagating for the past 20 years.

One very critical aspect of the concept is to treat teachers as professionals. Providing classroom spaces that are varied in size and completely flexible allows instructors to utilize the right space for the right learning experience for students. Additionally, every instructor has a private office to use during prep periods and before and after class time. This allows the school to significantly increase the utilization of learning spaces, key to meeting the district construction budget and student load requirements.

VCBO Architecture was the architect of record for the restoration of the Utah State Capitol. An extensive group of engineers, consultants, and other specialists assisted in addressing the complex needs of the historic Capitol. The project included base isolation and seismic upgrade to the overall building of the dome and rotunda. As part of the seismic upgrade, a podium has been added to the building to provide the required moat and act as a barrier to protect the building. The exterior stone and terra cotta were reinforced to seismic standards, repaired, and/or replaced. The mechanical, electrical, data, and communications systems were completely replaced. The interior restoration included the replacement of skylights and the re-establishment of original spaces, colors, and ornamentation. The Capitol was divided into four restoration zones and has been connected to the East and West buildings through a below-podium tunnel. Significant investigation, documentation, testing, and planning were conducted to start the restoration process. Original, historic designs helped solve difficult issues. Intensive research of historic drawings, photos, and construction correspondence, combined with investigation of the building itself, provided insight into original design and construction decisions and opened avenues for new solutions

We’re Curiosity-Driven. So We Create Places for Curiosity to Thrive.

Shoreline Junior High School is the fourth in a series of an award-winning prototype. The school provides a state-of-the-art design that buffers middle school students from the stress and fragmentation associated with the typical junior high school experience. The key concept of the design is the organization of academic classrooms into grade-level specific, double-lobed academic learning suites, each surrounding and connected to a lively central collaboration space. These academic "houses" provide a highly flexible, open, and extremely visible environment for group collaboration, which fosters critical student-student and student-teacher relationships. The school is uniquely themed, with every learning suite providing a sense of personal identification and pride for the student. The theming also serves as a wayfinding device, provides exciting learning opportunities, and engages student interest. The theme for Shoreline Jr. High is “Connections,” celebrated both in the exterior design of the building and the interior detailing and signage. For Shoreline Jr. High, Layton City partnered with the District to build a large, double gymnasium as an amenity for the community. There is access to the large second-floor track for the community, as well.

The dōTERRA Distribution Center is the shipping mainstay for the dōTERRA community of essential oil products. This 326,000-square-foot facility next to Interstate 15 in Lindon, Utah will receive products from the manufacturing facility and will store and ready them for shipping to representatives and customers throughout the world. A state-of-the-art automated shipping system will be the horsepower behind the speedy processing and shipping of dōTERRA orders. Part of the overall facility also has 35,000 square feet of office space for the Logistics Division of dōTERRA International and will provide an open and vibrant work environment for all employees and drivers, whether in an office or on the warehouse floor.

Hear That? That's a Place That Sparks Educational Play

Sunburst Elementary is the optimal project-based learning environment, incorporating collaborative space, energy conservation, and perhaps most importantly, flexible and playful spaces for young learners. The elementary is a Zero Energy facility and one of the most energy-efficient public schools in the state of Utah. Correct orientation and an excellent building envelope, combined with sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems, reduce peak energy demands and maintain low energy use throughout the day. One such system is thermal displacement ventilation, utilized throughout the building. TDV pools fresh cool air on the floor, which convects up when it encounters heat sources (such as students). This quietly delivers fresh, clean air to the breathing zone, improving indoor air quality and decreasing absenteeism. Photovoltaic panels have been incorporated on the roof, as well as serving a dual purpose as sunshades above south-facing windows. Building orientation maximizes daylighting throughout and plays a key role in energy conservation.

Classroom wings in the elementary are designed with flexibility and functionality in the foreground. Flexible furniture and teaching surfaces are integrated into classrooms and collaboration spaces, allowing students and educators to learn/teach in a variety of locations, with a variety of tools. Each wing has a unique theme integrated into graphics and finishes, while pops of vibrant color energize occupants. The theme creates an identity for the wing and ultimately becomes an intriguing learning tool for students. The school integrates collaboration spaces adjacent to the classrooms, both visually and physically connected by means of an overhead glass door, extending classrooms into a common learning space. Large glass doors also open the Multipurpose Room & Maker Space into the main Commons, allowing large gatherings to expand as needed and giving the school a more open and inviting vibe. This transparency highlights an exciting showcase for student work within the Maker Space for patrons as they enter the school.

Sunburst Elementary is unique also in that it is a Teacher Academy, meaning partner universities and colleges with education programs will bring their students and staff to this school to receive ‘in-classroom’ training and educational opportunities. Classrooms are designed to facilitate this process, and a training room was added to enhance student-teacher learning.

The school’s theme is Bodies In Motion: Rhythm. Each of the four classroom wings represents a unique category of rhythm: Look, Listen, Move & Make. These themes are incorporated into the design of the interior and exterior of the building in a variety of ways. Patterns in the exterior masonry create a fun rhythmic texture to the façade and colorful metal panel patterns were created by simulating beats of measure in music. Each composed panel represents a portion of a different piece of music. The landscape incorporates the four sub-themes; extruded sound waves in the concrete benches and artificial turf on the playground (Listen); the Fibonacci sequence is integrated into concrete patterns on the sidewalk, enhanced by sandblasting that really makes the pattern pop (Look); landscaping and concrete patterns radiate from the school's flagpole to create a sundial (Move), and the Fibonacci spiral has been created via planting patterns (Make).

Awards: AGC of Utah Green Project of the Year Award 2020

Spaces for people to thrive.

Environments that Evoke Possibility

Central Elementary School