Littleton High School

Littleton, Massachusetts

Firm

Dore + Whittier

Client

Littleton Public Schools

Area

112,355 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$19,874,598

Completion Date

06/2002

Faced with increasing enrollment, the town decided to construct a two-story high school for grades 9 to 12 that draws upon the New England-style architectural vernacular of Littleton. The school has a capacity of 500 with core facilities for 750. The exterior is composed of brick with decorative banding, aluminum window systems and entries, and a sloped standing-seam metal roof.
Reflecting the town’s desire for extensive community use, the school features a large main gymnasium, an auxiliary gymnasium, a weightroom and a full complement of outdoor athletic facilities. The auditorium seats 750 people and is designed with a full-fly stage and wings to support a strong performing-arts program. The design also includes a kiva with a TV studio for distance learning, professional development and town meeting broadcasts. Outdoor features include an open-air amphitheater and an alternative wastewater-treatment facility to protect the environmentally sensitive site.
To facilitate access, the school is designed with two main entries, one at each level. Both entrances have bus loops and adjacent visitor parking. A grand staircase unites the two floors and the entrances, and is situated adjacent to the administrative area to simplify management and security.