Additions and Remodelings to Horace Mann Middle School

This project in North Miami came to us because the school needed more classroom space and the auditorium did not have air-conditioning.  In addition, the teachers needed more space as well.  Most of the time the teachers' space is one large room which offers no privacy for the teachers.  The classrooms often have windows which are too high and/or have metal louvers which makes visibility for the students next to impossible.   

In our building we wanted both the teachers and the students to have a pleasant experience, a relaxed learning environment.  The school system and its code regulate strictly the number or square feet per student and the number of students per classroom.  In our case the creativity came in how we oriented the classrooms, with the windows having wide overhangs above, and overlooking the playfields.  The windows were impact-resistant casement windows sufficiently low that the children could look out the windows.  The natural lighting gave each room a very spacious, open feeling. 

The teacher planning areas were divided into 3 areas, each situated between two classrooms.  With this configuration, the teacher planning areas served almost like private offices.  The teachers loved these spaces.

This entire Horace Mann project consisted of the addition of a classroom building with 6 classrooms, teacher planning rooms, and boys' and girls' toilets; the complete interior remodeling of the auditorium, including adding air-conditioning; the updating of the cafeteria; the creation of sidewalks and ramps which were handicap accessible; the replacement of some railings; and the creation of music and band rooms.

For more information on the auditorium, click link below: