Buford High School

Buford, Georgia

Firm

Breaux & Associates Architects

Client

Buford City Schools

Area

416,700 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$78,663,401

Completion Date

07/2019

Karl L. Moore/Mooreshots LLC; Breaux & Associates Architects

[close]

Design Team
Kate Fijalkowska (Project Manager); Jessica Winstead (Lead Designer); Charles Black Construction Company, Inc. (Construction Manager)

Buford City Schools’ new flagship high school exemplifies the system’s stride toward excellence in the 3 A’s—Academics, Arts & Athletics. The new campus features separate structures housing each of these areas.

The Academics building is the centerpiece of the campus with a three-story traditional design. The center atrium of terrazzo showcases a grand stairway that provides access and views to the upper floors. A collaborative learning center is decorated with brick columns and terrazzo flooring. Flat screen monitors and wireless connectivity help students collaborate and stay informed. Upstairs, a beautifully detailed Media Center with elegant custom wood shelving and wood slat ceilings houses a full-service coffee bar run by students.

The Performing Arts building is a 52,000-square-feet structure featuring a 950-seat theater and instructional spaces relating to the performing arts. The venue is designed to host a wide array of performances with exterior access through large overhead doors for moving scenery and props in and out of the building. Band, chorus, dance and drama are housed in this facility.

The Athletic building houses two 1,200-seat gymnasiums, each with separate locker rooms. Wrapping the top of the two gymnasiums is an elevated running track with cushioned sports flooring. There is also a 10,000-square-foot weight room, a state-of-the-art training room and large multipurpose rooms for wrestling, cheerleading, and other activities.

As School Superintendent Robert Downs explains: “Our students, faculty, and staff greatly benefit from the thoughtful design approach in giving academics, athletics, and the arts their own buildings. By design, these three buildings promote the triple-A excellence of which Buford is known. Similar to a college campus, the aesthetics of our high school buildings are an inspiration to those who work and learn in these spaces.”