After multiple additions and renovations over its 60-year lifespan, the original Bellaire High School was no longer able to support modern educational practices. Funded by Houston ISD’s 2012 Bond Program, the $122.9-million facility will support the community far beyond the next 60 years.

Spanning 396,378 sq ft, the project included multiphased construction, new construction and minor renovations to the existing 60,000-sq-ft science building built in 2012.

The team had to ensure uninterrupted school operations throughout the project. Phase 1 included a temporary staff and student parking lot as well as a new central utility plant and the rerouting of utilities so demolition could start on portions of the existing building that conflicted with the new design. This portion of work also included installation of an underground storm detention basin underneath the existing football field because of both site limitations and stricter stormwater requirements implemented after Hurricane Harvey. The system is designed to handle 120% of site runoff during a 500-year flood.

Photo courtesy Turner Construction Co.

Phase 2 covered 70% of the new campus, including the academic, athletic, fine arts and support service areas. Afterward, Phase 3 involved demolition of the original building to make way for the parking garage and remaining 30% of the building structure, including administrative, library, dining commons and performing arts spaces. After completion of the parking garage, Phase 4 replaced the temporary parking lot with a multipurpose turf field and eight-lane track.

Photo courtesy Turner Construction Co.

At the heart of the new school is a main corridor, dubbed Main Street, that connects all areas, from the three-story academic classroom wing to the administrative offices. Outside, the project’s complex envelope system consists of masonry, metal panels and curtain wall tie-ins. To ensure seamless installation, the project team held numerous coordination meetings and created onsite mock-ups, during which a water test could be performed for necessary parties to ensure that the complete assembly was watertight and that the air barrier was intact.

Photo courtesy Turner Construction Co.

A glulam beam ceiling in the natatorium emphasizes the other timber elements throughout the project, such as Main Street’s stair feature. Despite the late integration of the diving board and deeper pool well thanks to design changes, lean construction strategies limited cost and schedule delays. The team also thickened the natatorium’s mat slab to combat the high water table because the school is located on a 100-year floodplain.

As a LEED v4 certified facility, the school features recycled content and regionally sourced materials, energy efficient mechanical systems, water efficient fixtures, LED lighting as well as low-VOC paints and coatings. The project also utilizes highly reflective roofing to mitigate the heat island effect.