Overhills High School

Springlake, North Carolina

Firm

Shuller Ferris Lindstrom & Associates

Client

Harnett County Schools

Area

227,852 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$20,000,000

Completion Date

06/2004

The atrium, designed as a multipurpose space, is accessed from the school’s single-point entry. This space serves as the lobby for the auditorium, gymnasium and cafeteria in addition to serving as the school commons. Students use the commons during the day; the community uses it after hours for informal gatherings, organized programs or other functions. The central atrium space is the key to making this a safe, easily monitored, flexible and efficient school.
Administration, guidance, media center and cafeteria are directly adjacent to the atrium. The gymnasium and auditorium are adjacent to the main entrance. Physical education, vocational, business and arts are on the first floor. Core academics are on the second floor.
Each wing also features a three-story lightwell, providing natural light to interior spaces. Most corridors have direct line of sight from the central commons. Construction is traditional brick-and-block cavity wall on steel frame. A low-maintenance, sloped metal roof allows use of attic space for three mechanical mezzanines, providing efficient distribution of HVAC.