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AE Works

AE Works

Sewickley, PA | State College, PA | Arlington, VA

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Sacred Heart Elementary School Master-planning and Science Lab

Sacred Heart Elementary added a new science lab in their existing building as a result of this master planning and subsequent renovation effort.  AE works carefully investigated the school’s existing conditions to analyze and determine the best placement of this new classroom.

The team’s findings revealed that the school’s third floor was under-utilized and missing use of prime space that included a vacant chapel and outdoor terrace.  However, the study further revealed that several upgrades would be needed to correct code deficiencies on this third floor in order to provide a safe space for classrooms and the desired learning laboratory.

Evaluating long term goals in conjunction with budget constraints, the project’s first phase renovated the basement to create a new science laboratory.  Future projects anticipate moving the laboratory equipment to the now vacant third floor to provide the science classroom.   The first phase design focused on providing flexibility so that the floor could be easily converted into a pre-school room when the lab is relocated.

The AE Works team worked closely with the dedicated teachers and staff at Sacred Heart to create this new, much needed science classroom.   This project converted a basement storage room into a bright, cheerful and functional science classroom.   To transform the dark and unpolished space into a beautiful classroom, the team carefully selected details such as cork flooring, custom wood work and whimsical painting to craft an environment that embraces the imagination and learning that will take place.

 
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Status: Built
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, US
Firm Role: Prime - Project Management, Architecture, MEP Engineering, Construction Administration