Karcher Middle School

Burlington, Wisconsin

Firm

Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP

Client

Burlington Area School District

Area

143,166 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$32,700,000

Completion Date

05/2021

Tricia Shay Photography

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Design Team
Nicholas Kent, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP; Devin Kack, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP; Daniel Effenheim, ASID, NCIDQ; Nicole Dryden, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP B+C

Burlington Area School District engaged the architect in 2014 to complete a districtwide facility study and educational space analysis. This effort identified replacement of the middle school as a primary need. With support from the community, a $43 million referendum passed in 2019, enabling the district to complete major security and HVAC renovations to each of the elementary schools and construct a 600-student middle school for grades six to eight.

Constructed on the same site as the former building, the new Karcher Middle School uses the existing topography to its advantage. It has an upper-level entry with dramatic views overlooking the student commons, which serves as the heart of the school.

Clerestory windows provide ample daylight to this and other interior rooms. Collaborative, flexible and adaptable learning environments that support future pedagogy—a key project objective—are provided throughout. These principles are supported in art rooms, science labs, core classrooms and electives through the use of easily operated sliding glass partitions, purposeful sight lines and flexible furniture.

Additional Information

Associated Firm

GRAEF USA Inc.; raSmith Inc.; E.H. Kanning & Associates; Quast Consulting & Testing Inc.

Cost per Sq Ft

$228.00

Featured in

2022 Architectural Portfolio

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Product suppliers specified

Carpet by Milliken

Carpet by Bentley Prince Street

Carpet by Patcraft

Flooring by nora systems, Inc.

Flooring by Tarkett USA

Physical-Education Flooring by Robbins Sports Surfaces

Physical-Education Flooring by Mondo USA

Brick/Masonry by Hebron Brick

Cabinets by Formica

Cabinets by Arborite

Cabinets by Wilsonart

Cabinets by Mott Mfg

Ceilings by Rockfon

Ceilings by Chicago Metallic

Ceilings by Epic Metals

Ceramic Tile by Dal-Tile

Door Hardware by McKinney

Door Hardware by Stanley

Door Hardware by Rockwood

Door Hardware by Pemko

Door Hardware by LaForce, Inc.

Door Hardware by LCN Closers

Doors by Eggers

Doors by Raynor

Doors by VT Industries

Elevators by Schindler Elevator

Insulation by Owens Corning

Insulation by Dow

Movable Partitions/Walls by Hufcor

Paint/Wallcoverings by Sherwin-Williams

Plumbing by Watts

Plumbing by Eaton

Plumbing by Elkay

Plumbing by Chicago Faucets

Plumbing by McGuire

Plumbing by American Standard

Plumbing by Sloan Valve

Plumbing by Fiat

Plumbing by E.L. Mustee & Sons

Plumbing by Bemis

Roofing by Versico

Windows by Kawneer

Lighting & Accessories by Mark Architectural Lighting

Lighting & Accessories by Axis Lighting

Lighting & Accessories by Lithonia Lighting

Emergency Lighting by Lithonia Lighting

Fire/Life-Safety Systems by Victaulic

Fire/Life-Safety Systems by Globe Fire Sprinkler

Fire/Life-Safety Systems by 3M Fire Protection

Fire/Life-Safety Systems by Hilti

Security Systems by LaForce, Inc.

Locks by Best Access Systems

Drinking Fountains by Elkay

Hand-Drying Equipment by Excel Dryer

Washroom Fixtures by American Standard

Washroom Fixtures by Sloan Valve

Washroom/Shower Partitions by Scranton Products

Athletic Equipment by Draper

Bleachers/Grandstands by Interkal

Playground Equipment by Bison

Scoreboards/Clocks by Daktronics

Communications Systems by Bogen Communications

Clocks/Time Management by Valcom

HVAC Units by Trane

HVAC Units by Xylem Inc.

HVAC Control Devices by Trane

Draperies/Blinds by Draper

Kitchen Equipment by Metro

Kitchen Equipment by Hoshizaki

Kitchen Equipment by Oasis

Kitchen Equipment by Accurex

Kitchen Equipment by Master Built

Lockers by Penco Products

Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by Claridge

Door Hardware by Architectural Builders Hardware (ABH)

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