Location:
Burlington, WI
Scope:
Provided architectural design services for a new 143,166 sq. ft. middle school
Awards:

Burlington Area School District – Karcher Middle School

Burlington, WI

The Burlington Area School District needed to update its aging middle school facility. PRA was challenged to provide modern learning spaces on the existing site without disrupting regular academic functions. In 2019, a $43 million referendum passed allowing the district to move forward. The new Karcher Middle School supports 600 students with expansion capabilities for up to 800 students.

The design uses the existing topography of the school site to its advantage providing a second-floor entrance with a dramatic view overlooking the student commons, which serves as the heart of the school. Clerestory windows provide an abundance of daylight to the commons area and provides borrowed light to many interior rooms. Building flexibility and collaborative learning spaces were key project drivers for the school district. The commons area is connected to the library and student resource center, allowing for increased flexibility and future growth. Adaptable learning spaces are incorporated into art rooms, science labs, and classrooms and allow students to easily collaborate and share.