Cape Henlopen High School

210,000 SF     Lewes, Delaware

The former high school lacked many modern educational requirements such as natural light and flexible learning spaces.

The new comprehensive high school is a two-story building located on the same site as the former high school. It is divided into departmental wings that are able to be expanded in the future. The separation of 9th graders facilitates the transition from middle to high school. The design offers a creative solution for large group activities by locating the cafeteria, commons, auditorium and gymnasium close to each other. The courtyard is designed to be used as outdoor instructional space. The art rooms are situated around it allowing the outdoor environment to also serve as inspiration to the art students. Vo-tech classrooms have exterior access and are located at the back with the ag science classroom located adjacent to the greenhouse. Culinary Arts is located next to main kitchen to facilitate learning through observation.

The building was built with Green Initiatives typified by the LEED rating system such as geothermal technology. The state-of-the-art theater includes fly space, and large group instructional areas located in the back with moveable partitions. The building houses a standalone consortium program. A new field house supports all athletic programs.

The design allows public access to the media center, administration offices, auditorium and gymnasium for maximum usage by students, faculty and the community. The phasing plan allowed students to stay in the former school while the new building was built. The former high school has been demolished and the space is used for parking and athletic fields.