Liberty Middle School is a two-story, 98,000 SF facility that was built on an unused portion of an existing elementary school site with the capacity for approximately 900 students. The site design provides strong visual and pedestrian connections to the existing Pioneer Valley Elementary School, creating a campus environment. The building's academic core is designed as two-story wings that allow the school to be organized into smaller academic houses that provide flexibility and foster closer relationships with students.
Sustainability played a key role in the design. The building is positioned on the site to take advantage of solar orientation and preserve the existing trees. The abundant use of natural light throughout the building enhances the educational environment. The design incorporates an innovative induction ventilation system and ground-sourced heating and cooling. Rain gardens in the landscape design handle the majority of roof drainage and run-off from the parking lot.
Client: Bethel School District
Location: Spanaway, WA
Michael F. McGavock, AIA
Garner Miller
Joan Rumsey
Kate Frisbie
Jonathan Denton
Kelly Kaiser
Mark Bergquist, CSI, CCS