Mount Olive Middle School

Budd Lake, New Jersey

Firm

Design Resources Group

Client

Mount Olive Board of Education

Area

205,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$21,651,726

Completion Date

12/2000

The complex was designed in response to educational specifications that emphasized science and technology.
The solution created a two-story, compact building providing six 200-student instructional teams, one for each science laboratory, dedicated small-group instruction rooms, restrooms and faculty work rooms. The library/media center, accessible by two computer and synergistics labs, is situated centrally on the first floor. A music suite, 600-seat auditorium, stage, gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium, student/faculty dining rooms and multiple handicapped/special-education rooms are included. Two large art rooms with sloped window glazing open to an interior courtyard. The central administration/child-study team offices are adjacent to the main entrance lobby. Student-services suites are on each floor.
The design emphasized space distribution and circulation. The school is handicapped-accessible, and has core facilities designed for community use.
Athletic facilities for soccer, baseball and tennis were provided with sufficient parking and circulation.
The building, air-conditioned and sprinklered, is built with fireproof structural steel, insulated windows and brick/block cavity-type exterior walls. Most rooms and corridors are carpeted for sound control.