Project Type: New
Construction Cost: $42.4M
Size: 292,800 SF
Career & Technical Education
Tantasqua Regional Technical High School
Sturbridge, MA
The design challenge was to configure this large, comprehensive high school within the only buildable area on the rural site- an odd-shaped, irregularly sloping piece of land bordered by wetlands, athletic fields. Additionally, the existing high school that would remain in operation until the new construction was complete.
The sprawling complex is organized around a curved circulation spine that negotiates the terrain, including the 25-foot vertical grade change. With close proximity to wetlands, retaining walls were used to maintain the natural vegetation including an on-site pond – used as amenity and part of the storm water management.
The circulation spine organizes all the major program elements. Each major space in the school is accessed directly from this spine including: pool, field house, auditorium, cafeteria, library and classroom wings.
The career/technical spaces were strategically placed adjacent to one another providing multiple learning environments. This project was completed in 2002.
Vocational Programs:
- Allied Health
- CAD/Drafting
- Carpentry
- Computer Technology
- Culinary Arts
- Electrical Technology
- Machine Technology
Client Testimonial
“…A major obstacle required us to construct the new facility along side the existing school. We were plagued with site restrictions that challenged DRA to schedule multiple phases from construction, moving, and finally razing buildings at different times. DRA masterfully scheduled each phase with little distraction to over 1,000 students on campus.”
Timothy J. Prouty Previous Principal/Technical School Director
