Darnall Charter School – Master Plan and New Construction

Master Plan for a K-8 school on an existing elementary campus

San Diego Unified School District - Darnall Charter School

PROJECT DETAILS

The use of steel construction is a sustainable and carbon footprint reduction design choice. Structural steel is recyclable, making it a material that is circular for generations and eco-friendly. Modernization of existing classrooms with 21st-century technology The Darnall Charter School Master Plan and New Construction project encompassed a comprehensive approach to address the evolving needs of the educational institution. With the school outgrowing its current facilities, the District sought to utilize the architectural expertise of WestbergWhite to implement a master plan that would accommodate growth, enhance learning environments, and improve overall functionality. The project included the construction of new buildings tailored to modern educational standards, incorporating sustainable design elements such as steel construction to reduce carbon footprint. The use of structural steel not only ensures durability but also aligns with eco-friendly principles by offering recyclability and circularity for generations to come. Moreover, the modernization of existing classrooms with 21st-century technology further enhances the educational experience, providing students with innovative learning spaces equipped to meet contemporary needs. Through this project, Darnall Charter School aims to create an environment conducive to academic excellence while prioritizing sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Location

San Diego, CA

Area

12,250SF Elementary School and 19,700SF Middle School

Delivery Method

Lease Leaseback

Market Sector

K-12

SERVICES PROVIDED

Full Architectural and Engineering Services

PROJECT TYPE

PROGRAMMING FEATURES

Phased development of the entire campus without the need for interim housing
New two-story classroom buildings and Removal of all portable classroom buildings
A new 6,500SF Kindergarten facility
A new 11,000SF Multi-Purpose Building with a multi-use area, food facilities, and lockers
Reconfiguration of existing kindergarten to administration that will provide for a better single point of entry security
Repurposing of the existing Multi-Purpose Building for Science classrooms
An Artificial Turf Field to replace the DG fields and expand the athletic experience
New on-campus vehicular circulation provided a better solution for the drop-off and pick-up of students
Redesign of existing makeshift dirt parking to provide 37 spaces for teachers and guests solving the problematic congestion of on-street parking thereby relieving the residences’ parking issues.
The Type II-B Construction was determined by the analysis of the 2019 California Building Code (CBC). Type II is also known as non-combustible, in which the walls, columns, partitions, floors, and roof are all constructed of non-combustible materials.
The exterior wall system for Darnall was constructed of 6” or 8” steel studs spaced at 16” o.c.
The vertical lateral resisting system (columns) consisted of structural steel moment frames and the floor system consisted of welded steel deck sheathing over steel joists and topped with concrete floors.
The roof system consisted of rigid insulations over welded steel deck sheathing, over structural steel joists supported by interior and perimeter steel girders.
Poured-in-place concrete is the first-floor slab and foundation system, supporting the metal studs and steel columns.
An automatic sprinkler system was used for fire protection, which allowed an area increase in the building’s square footage.

We’re interested to hear from you.

ORGANIZATIONS & AFFILIATIONS