Submission NameArmstrong School District West Hills Primary School
Project Intent StatementThe intent of this primary school renovation was to create enclosed classrooms in a single summer to avoid relocating students during construction. Armstrong School District’s West Hills Primary was originally constructed without dividing walls between classrooms. This once-popular “open concept” model caused acoustical issues and limited the amount of usable wall space for instruction. Understanding the schedule constraints, the design team worked with Armstrong on an innovative plan to implement a demountable wall system. The modular, flexible solution was manufactured offsite, dramatically compressing the construction timeline. The customizable components allowed the school district to select their preferred wall surfaces, cabinets, and layouts. West Hills Primary is the first school of its size in Pennsylvania to implement this system. The project provided acoustical separation and wall space, while integrating long-term flexibility and transforming the look and feel of the school.
Project Image Credits
Image #1Puskaric Huang Photography
Image #2Puskaric Huang Photography
Image #3Puskaric Huang Photography
Project Team
Team MembersIKM Architecture:
Matt Hansen;
Allison Mason;
Ben Clements;
Rachel Park;
Lauren Vrbin
Project Contributors#1 Tony Moret, Moret Construction Company, General Contractor;
#2 Rick Lugaila, Lugaila Mechanical, Mechanical Contractor;
#3 Artie Maynard, Vrable Plumbing, Plumbing Contractor;
#4 Scott Stravick, Right Electric, Electrical Contractor;
#5 Cory Weiland, Tower Engineering, MEP Engineer