Hampden Academy

Designed through a six-month community visioning process, Hampden Academy looks like a traditional New England school on the outside. Inside, innovative features are transforming everything from how students and educators interact to the school’s energy bill.

One of Hampden Academy’s signature spaces is its centrally placed commons. Flanked by multi-story interior windows and multi-colored tile, the commons serves as the school’s cafeteria, performing arts and gymnasium lobby, exhibition space, concession area and even a movie theater with the lowering of huge screen.

Daylight from above floods the commons with natural light, and flat screens, display cases and artwork showcase the school’s commitment to creative excellence. Movable tables, chairs and food-service lines make the transition from cafeteria to event space fast and simple. 

The school is targeted for LEED gold certification, with sustainable features such as extensive daylight harvesting, solar hot water, LED lights, automated controls, a transpired solar wall and Maine’s largest geothermal HVAC installation.

The school offers 40 percent more program area than the facility it replaced, all within a smaller footprint. 

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