Athol-Royalston Regional Middle School

Athol, Massachusetts

Firm

Drummey Rosane Anderson

Client

Athol-Royalston Regional School District

Area

88,500 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$11,736,945

Completion Date

07/2000

A districtwide study concluded that the district needed a new middle school. Three sites were evaluated.
The location chosen had several complications: wetlands, a steep grade to a lake and large boulders throughout the site. So, the boulders were used to line the edge of the lake and reduce soil erosion. The building was placed in the path of water drainage through the site, and measures were taken to redirect the flow of water around the building and parking areas.
The district wanted to organize the middle school into project teams. The designers created carpeted, team-project spaces at the end of each academic wing, which are used continually for group activities. Classrooms are clustered along the sides of the project space for team-teaching. The library includes three small breakout rooms, allowing individuals or groups to work separately.
It also was important that the school be accessible to the community without compromising the rest of the facility. The gymnasium, cafetorium and library are designed with outside access doors for school and after-hours community use. Interior heavy-duty doors with security systems were used to keep the rest of the building secure.