Career & Technical Education, K-12 Public Schools

Cape Cod Regional Technical High School

Harwich, MA

The existing Cape Cod Regional Technical High School was a 214,000 SF, 1975 building located on a 67-acre site. It was built originally with the “open” concept approach to classroom instruction. Its classrooms, laboratories and technical spaces did not meet current minimum size requirements and used outdated technology. In addition, the school’s electrical, heating and cooling systems were outdated.

DRA worked closely with the District and performed a comprehensive assessment of the existing conditions and the educational program. Input was received from educators, administrators, and facilities personnel. Several options were presented to the District including base repair options, addition/renovation configurations, and new construction.

The goal of the new Cape Cod Tech school is to provide 21st century learning and to support the new educational philosophy for career and technical education. The new school design groups academic spaces around each technical discipline, to foster a sense of community and collaboration. The new facility is 6,000 SF larger than the 1975 building, and houses 650 students. The design includes 22 general classrooms, 2 small group/flex spaces, 6 science classroom/labs, 2 art/maker spaces, and 17 vocational/technical shops/classrooms.

With the three-story design, the new school fits into the topography along the eastern edge of the property. It features two wings of academic classrooms and a large, space for vocational shops, with additional height and access for the construction and transportation shops. After the new school was occupied, the old school was demolished to make room for parking and new sports fields.