Graettinger-Terril High School

CMBA Architects

Recognitions: K-12 Projects 2022

Project Description

The Graettinger-Terril CSD addition was designed with the intent of creating a flexible learning environment for multiple types of teaching and collaboration for school and community activities. The addition was to accommodate the needs of the district including updating science, lab, career tech, and vocational agriculture classrooms, an administration office, a secure entry, and a competitive gym. The inward focus "street" design concept allows for flexibility and connections throughout the space. The commons are the main path of circulation, which leads people through the school to the gymnasium, while still providing areas for large and small group gatherings. The new commons also allow for community engagement by providing flexible spaces large enough to hold public meetings and community events. The decision to open the commons to the gym creates one cohesive gathering area and provides the visible connection for others to be able to enjoy events in a comfortable environment. The classrooms can extend into the commons space by opening a garage door. These "porch" spaces have a lower wood ceiling to bring down the scale so that the area can be an extension of the classroom. This allows for flexible and accommodating classrooms for future growth. The classrooms can open to the science lab through a writable partition wall, to support different types of large and small group learning. The wood veneer in the "porch" spaces is made of recycled wood and just one example of sustainable materials used throughout the project. The new facility has created opportunities for the small town of Graettinger, Iowa, to not only engage and welcome their community, but also include other communities and local colleges in northwest Iowa to use the space for athletic events and education and/or training opportunities.