Architects show sketches of building

8 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — While construction of a new PK—8 school in Caribou may not begin until 2018, PDT Architects of Portland recently presented a rough sketch of what the building may look like from the outside when it is finished.

Shown during the July 8 Building Committee meeting, the sketches depict how the building will appear from two different angles.

“We had talked about having a low-pitch roof for the classroom portion of the building,” said Chelsea Lipham of PDT Architects, “so we took that idea and did some three dimensional work.”

One sketch depicts the perspective from Bennett Drive looking towards the entrance to the school. It features the kindergarten and Pre-K wing with a small bay area in front for younger students. A two-story classroom wing is visible in the back, and both wings have low pitch roofs. The ceiling height is a bit taller in the central spine, which allows for plenty of natural daylight to enter the building.

Regarding the building itself, the committee also discussed which areas should receive air conditioning, since the state will not pay for a completely air conditioned facility.

Lyndon Keck, joining through a Skype call, asked how often the school is used during the summer, and which areas would most benefit from air conditioning.

Gary Marquis, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, said that the gym is used every day during the summer, but it stays cool because colder air is let in at night.

Doak added that the multi-purpose room would need A/C and that at least one classroom should have air conditioning for Summer school purposes. He also suggested the possibility of having one wing of the building air conditioned.

According to Keck the state will pay for air conditioning in certain areas of the school where there will likely be full-time staff, such as the library, learning commons, and one of the administration areas.

In addition to air conditioning, Lipham said the state may help pay for a standalone Superintendent’s office where Doak and other administrators could work.

“It won’t be a luxurious space,” said Doak, “but we don’t need that. We just need an area to work.”

Lipham added that a standalone office is the most cost-effective solution, as construction costs would be much higher if the Superintendent’s office were attached to the school itself.

Looking ahead, the architects at PDT plan on refining the concept based on Building Committee feedback and showing their progress during the next meeting on August 12 at 8:00 a.m. in the Caribou Wellness Center.