Minnechaug Regional High School

Wilbraham, Massachusetts

Firm

Mount Vernon Group Architects

Client

Hampden-Wilbraham School District

Area

248,182 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$55,285,680

Completion Date

08/2012

The new Minnechaug Regional High School replaces an existing outdated facility. It encompasses an area of 249,000 square feet and is composed of a pair of two-story academic wings and core facilities connected by a central two-story concourse. One wing houses general classrooms and science labs. School administration; guidance offices; and a family and consumer science suite are on the first floor of the second wing, with art and computer labs on the second floor. Core facilities include the media center, a 750-seat auditorium, band/choral spaces, cafeteria, three-station gymnasium with locker and team rooms, a six-lane competition swimming pool and regional school district offices.

The new building incorporates high-efficiency mechanical systems, including space sensors with override capability, heat-recovery systems and economizers, and an integral energy-management system. Electrical features include low-voltage lighting with occupancy sensors, daylight dimming, direct/indirect pendant lighting at classrooms and a 60 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic array.

Other sustainable features include low-emitting materials, daylighting, access to views, improved classroom acoustics and recycled/recyclable materials.