Wentworth Intermediate School

A new school to foster experimentation, exploration and innovation

Scarborough, ME

Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Structural Engineering Architecture Interior Design Landscape Architecture Civil Engineering

After years of struggling with inadequate space and environmental and health hazards, the voters in Scarborough approved the new school to be built adjacent to the existing school. When complete the old school was demolished and the space is used for parking and an athletic playfield.

Safety was a paramount design consideration. A secure vestibule and zoned layout of school achieves layers of separation between public and private zones. The new 800-student intermediate school was designed to expand to accommodate 100 additional students.

Project Overview

Client

Scarborough Public Schools

Type

New Construction

Size

800 Students
164,000 square feet

Services Provided

Architecture, Interior Design, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Landscape

Key Contacts

Lisa Sawin, AIA, LEED AP

Well-rounded design for growth and efficiency

The school features a full-size gymnasium, cafeteria, stage, art and music rooms, offices, library, STEM and computer labs. The school also features space for a garden lab, home of a new organic teaching garden integrated into the school’s curriculum, culture, and food program.

Modern building systems and geothermal heating and cooling yield annual energy cost savings of more than $90,000. Large expanses of glass and skylights flood the space with natural light and provide easy access to the outdoors, helping to cultivate a healthy and welcoming learning environment.

A clear design statement grounded the design: “Nurturing bright minds by fostering experimentation, exploration and innovation.”