Mandeville High School’s 2021 addition is taller, colorful and brings more space and light to the existing building, located in Mandeville, Louisiana. When architects learned math and science would be the primary subjects taught in the new three-story
addition, they created a learning opportunity using BENCHMARK Designwall 2000 insulated metal panels to create a striking pattern using the Fibonacci sequence – one of the most famous mathematical patterns in history. BENCHMARK panels are a
product of Kingspan Insulated Panels - North America, located
in DeLand, FL.
“Using a pattern of insulated metal panels, we were able to change colors, change size within a system on two of the facades,” said Holly and Smith project architect Paul Morvant, AIA, NCARB.
The addition is a tribute to the school itself, featuring different shades of blue to show off school spirit. The Designwall 2000 panels can be ordered in custom colors or Kingspan standard colors. The panels can be oriented horizontally or vertically
with easy integration into window systems. Designwall series panels also come in variable module widths for additional design flexibility.
In addition to dynamic design, Designwall 2000 panels offer R-values of up to 7 per inch, providing strong thermal efficiency and a double barrier against air and vapor, a critical component of the building envelope in Louisiana’s humid weather.
“Getting the drywall and the finishing is the part that takes the longest in the building. Getting that stage started sooner is a big time-saver overall on the construction schedule,” said Morvant.
While the project was initially supposed to last 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic added six additional months. Contractor Thompson Construction erected the three-story structure. Insulated metal panels helped make up lost time with just one installer,
ER Barnes, rather than multiple trades.
Mandeville High School’s new addition replaced portable classrooms to alleviate years of overcrowding. When finished, students, faculty and staff had 38 new classrooms, where they were able to spread out comfortably. A brand-new courtyard allowed
for a collaborative new space for students to gather, allowing for further learning opportunities.
With the new facility, architects designed a brand-new sports practice facility adjacent to the new building, using a polycarbonate wall system. Additional funds slated for the new addition included a renovated locker room area and a new HVAC system.
The start of the 2021 school year brought many changes to Mandeville High School, but most of all, a brand-new addition that sets up the campus for the next generation of learning.