APS New Middle School
APS Tony Hillerman Middle School | Tse’Yi’Gai High School | Isleta Elementary School | Stapleton/Cordova Elementary Schools | T’siya Elementary and Middle School | Valencia High School
The building orientation on this gently sloping site has was studied at length to allow the Design Build team to maximize site benefits such as views, APS proposed vehicular circulation routes and day lighting opportunities while minimizing site issues such as surface basalt formations, drainage from adjacent soccer field and prevailing winds.
The buildings and site circulation are configured to run mainly north and south working with the natural topography of the site. This orientation allows the buildings to have two different finish floor heights. The stepping of the buildings has been incorporated to minimize the need for excavating in to the basalt rock layer that undulates in depth across the site or have to bring in fill material creating an artificially built up pad for the building. The stepping of the building also aids in integrating the buildings into the site, reducing site impact and promoting sustainable concepts.
The two separate buildings, the classroom and administrative building, and the common use gym and cafeteria facilities building are situated on the site to allow for the school’s main classroom wings and administrative areas to be isolated or shutdown for after hours or weekend community gatherings and events. This courtyard area between the buildings is highly flexible in that it allows for large outdoor gatherings and allows the gym and cafeteria to be easily accessed and controlled independently.
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Size: 169,410sf