Originally constructed in 1973, Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, VA was designed by Samaha Associates, PC of Fairfax, VA and involved 80,000 sf of addition and 520,000 sf of renovation while the building was occupied by more than 4,000 students. Circulation paths within and between the sub-schools were complex and congested. Departments such as art, music, family studies, drama, automotive shops, design technology and physical education were combined for both middle and high school students with some separation of facilities within the departments. The 7th and 8th grade sub-schools were remotely located from these departments requiring the students to pass through senior high school areas.
The modernized facility converted the original “open” plan school with multiple media centers into a new state of the art, technology driven school with fixed walls and flexible use multi-purpose, resource, and lecture spaces. A new centrally located main entrance, with the administration suite located between the middle and high schools, replaces the multiple entry points of the original plan. The centrally located and expanded administration suite provides students and parents with direct and visible access. Guidance is divided between the middle and high school and located in those respective areas to provide easy and direct support to students.
The existing four (4) pipe HVAC system was re-used and the piping re-insulated. Variable-air-volume (VAV) units provide individually controlled heating and cooling to the teaching spaces. 70% outside fresh air is provided by rooftop units with energy wheels that recycle the heat/cooling to temper the fresh air. A new constant volume air (CVA) system serves those spaces that need to operate after school and during the summer increasing the building’s efficiency by increasing its use. Thermally broken windows were added to the existing exterior walls to provide natural daylight to as many teaching spaces as possible, and help reduce the energy costs associated with lighting. Low flow, water-saving plumbing fixtures replaced existing fixtures on site. The school now complies with the American’s with Disabilities Act and provides accessibility to all areas of the school.
The modernization of Lake Braddock Secondary School transforms an existing, outdated structure into a school designed to meet the needs of 21st century students. Besides making the building envelope more energy efficient, including a new roof with a high reflectance and R-value and introducing natural light to as many spaces as possible, the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and storm water management systems were completely replaced. The building’s organization is more easily adaptable to change with its’ clear organization and addition of multi-purpose rooms. Although the county did not seek L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification, its’ adaptive re-use of the existing facility, and its new M.E.P. (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) Systems would certainly qualify for L.E.E.D. Certification.
The original phasing plan called for a 40 month schedule, working closely with the school staff, students, FCPS and the Fire Marshal’s offices a revised phasing plan was developed to minimize disruption of the instructional program and to insure the safety of building occupants and allow construction to be completed eight months ahead of schedule. A total of fifteen (15) separate phases over a thirty two month period of construction where the school remained fully operational. A total of fifty-two (52) relocatables were placed on site to temporarily replace instructional space undergoing modernization.
Interior occupied spaces were separated from construction by fire-rated, sound insulated partitions. Interior air quality was achieved by maintaining positive air pressure in the occupied spaces and limiting noisy activities until after hours or in the summer months. Open communication between the architect, school, contractor and owner was the key to the success of the project.
Upon completion Principal Linda Burke stated, “As a result of the multimillion-dollar renovation, Lake Braddock offers students an education in state-of-the-art classrooms in which technology supports a commitment to academic excellence.” Lake Braddock Secondary School is a school in which the dream for success for all students becomes reality.
Proud of Our Record. Proud of Your Trust. Client satisfaction is a primary objective of Henley Construction Company, Inc. We are proud of the fact that since 1964 every one of our quality construction projects has been delivered to satisfied customers on-time and within budget. We are grateful for our clients' trust, and are dedicated to continuing this record.
