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.