GAITHERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
Gaithersburg, MD
Project Summary
The new three-story, 418,000 square-foot facility was designed and built to serve a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum for the largest public school system in Maryland. The design was constructed in multiple phases on the site of the original school, and incorporates vegetated roofs, rain screen masonry veneer wall systems, and glazed curtain walls.
As Director of pre-construction services for the construction manager under an at-risk contract, Mr. Houk reviewed the project design and construction documents to identify and address challenges related to constructability, systems integration, and conformance to the client’s budget requirements. Mr. Houk developed specifications for quality assurance and performance testing of exterior envelope assemblies. Technical elements of the design include an enclosed aquatics center below classroom space, gymnasiums and locker rooms located below learning spaces, and laboratory facilities requiring high-level environmental control.
Completed in 2014 at a cost of approximately $94 million, the project is a LEED-certified facility.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Architect
Samaha Associates
Contractor
Hess Construction Co.
Services
Peer Review
Challenges
Collaborate with design team to achieve architect’s goals within client’s budget
Provide continuous, integrated enclosures for separate environmental conditions