Washburn Rural High School Innovation Center

The primary focus of this project was to highlight the innovative CTE programs at WRHS by moving them to a new, state-of-the-art facility. The wood and metal shops, now nearly 12,000 SF, are positioned at the front of the building to draw attention to the programs inside. The wood shop alone is large enough to build an entire Habitat for Humanity House inside out of the elements. A large entry and common space connects the shops to classrooms and support space, while a glass clerestory window provides natural light from above. The second floor contains a journalism and broadcasting suite with video and audio recording studios, an agriculture lab, and a greenhouse with windows into the lobby below.

Other areas of the existing building were renovated include new art classrooms, renovated culinary classrooms with a new commercial kitchen classroom, a debate and forensics suite, as well as,
updates to various other classrooms throughout the building.

The project features high efficiency HVAC systems, continuous insulation throughout the new additions, a facade that is sourced from local brick manufacturers to reduce freight, and shading at
large window openings to reduce heat gain inside the building.

  • Industry:

  • Location:

    Topeka, Kansas

  • Client:

    Auburn-Washburn USD 437

  • Size:

    92,675 SF

  • Budget:

    $23,900,000

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