Two-Story, Precast Educational Facility

Given all the time in the world, Ardrey Kell High School would have been framed using poured and precast concrete, steel and masonry. But with an ever-increasing population, Mecklenburg County needed to open a brand-new high school in less than two years. Offering a simple and high-quality solution, Tindall designed a precast, prestressed concrete framing system that saved time and delivered both short-and long-term cost benefits. The total precast framing system shaved six months off the typical 26-month buildinq schedule with coinciding foundation and manufacturing work and by eliminating labor- and time-intensive poured concrete and field-laid masonry. Moreover, casting in chases and pass throughs at the factory reduced on-site HVAC and electrical work from the completion schedule. Plus, precast's step-and-repeat units allowed classrooms, floors and wings to be easily replicated, a more economically efficient method for both the design and manufacture of the school.

Project Details

• The 258,000 sq. ft, educational facility sets the look for 21st century schools with a low maintenance exterior: sandblasted concrete with steel and glass accents, Long spans eliminate columns in classrooms and common areas, and reduce the number required in the cafeteria.
• The unique auditorium features precast risers and walls for an attractive assembly area.
• The 10.5-in.-thick, load-bearing wall panels incorporate 4-in. of extruded polystyrene to achieve an insulating value of R-19.
• Supporting the roof and upper level classrooms are interior corridor walls, which are load bearing for 20-in.-deep double tees.
• From design to completion, the school was delivered in 20 months.
• The speed of precast, prestressed concrete was essential to the success of the project. With Charlotte being the largest school district in North Carolina, the new educational facility relieved some class overcrowding in time for the 2006 school year.

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