NARRATIVE:
After years of small additions and make-shift solutions, the two-story Ladue Horton Watkins High School was mismatched and difficult to navigate. The building no longer supported the programming needs of the curriculum. As part of an $85 M bond issue passed in 2016, the school received a gut interior renovation and two additions to accommodate their progressive STEAM focused curriculum and district expansion. Careful consideration was given to the interior design during early stages of programming. As budgets were balanced, a decision was made to ensure all renovated portions of the building would match the finishes of the new additions, to establish one unified design.
Classrooms remained neutral to allow teachers the opportunity to integrate curriculum materials while maintaining a clean and modern look. Commons areas were infused with the school's “Ladue Blue” and color. The design intent was collegiate and modern. Consistencies would create a solidified brand and a new identity for the traditional school.
The interior design was also used to solved wayfinding issues. The corridor design included color blocked wall graphics and department quotes, indicating location by floor and curriculum. The color blocking theme carries throughout the building via Ladue Blue feature walls and floor patterns.
Materials were selected for durability and maintenance. A flooring cost analysis was conducted, investigating a wide variety of flooring options for classrooms, corridors and common spaces. The analysis compared initial investment, maintenance and replacement costs of the flooring over a 30-year period. Terrazzo flooring was selected for commons areas and a large portion of the first floor. After a mockup and three-month trial period, HVT flooring was selected for the remaining corridors and classrooms. Solid surface wall cladding and vinyl wall coverings protect the corridor walls, providing easy maintenance. Scuffmaster paint was utilized at all accent colored walls. It was also used in classrooms on walls containing backpack hooks.
Special attention was given to acoustical materials in the music addition and commons areas alike. Integrating these materials into the design of the building created stunning feature walls. A custom acoustical panel wall was designed for the South Student Lobby. Panels take on the shape of the West Addition's floor plan. A variety of blue and neutral tones were used to create depth and interest. An acoustical wood feature wall provides warmth to the gathering space. Similar finishes were used at the Stage in the Multipurpose Room, further unifying the design.
Collectively, the projects’ programming, interior design, graphics and furniture blend seamlessly to unite function and aesthetics. They create a brand, provide solutions, and support the school’s curriculum. They evoke pride and tell the story of Ladue Horton Watkins High School.
Size: 123,048 SF New Construction
147,079 SF Renovation
Cost: $79.2 M
FFE Product Cost: $2.2 M
Graphics Package Cost: $350,000
Completion Date: Fall 2018
Roles: Lead Interior Designer
Programming through CA
Graphics Package
FF&E Product and Finish Selections
