SAUGUS — The school department’s investment in the Middle-High School has added a trophy to the town’s collection.
Saugus Middle-High School was awarded the grand prize in Learning By Design magazine’s spring 2021 Educational Design Awards Showcase. Judges pointed out the school’s unique concepts to improve education, community well-being and social equity, as well as how the design establishes a welcoming, motivating experience for students.
Town Manager Scott Crabtree mentioned that the design of the school really changes how teaching and learning can flourish.
“Seeing the vision of so many dedicated participants become reality is a great source of pride and accomplishment for the residents of Saugus who invested in the future of education by supporting this school,” he said.
The design firm behind the new middle-high school is HMFH Architects. The firm is a certified women-owned business, works with public school districts, independent schools and universities.
School Committee Chair Tom Whittredge was happy with the work that was done by the firm.
“HMFA took the vision of their design team and brought the collaborative vision to life,” Whittredge said.
Besides looking good, the school also happens to be environmentally friendly. Through use of multi-story lightwells and strategically located skylights, natural light beams throughout the building.
“Other sustainable measures include a trigeneration plant that produces on-site electricity and captures the generated heat to reuse for heating and cooling. A green roof absorbs stormwater, preventing runoff to the site, and mitigates heat gain within the building,” according to a press release announcing the award. “Water-conserving fixtures and selective recycling significantly reduce water consumption by 45 percent annually. With these achievements in energy conservation and sustainability the Saugus school is targeting a LEED Platinum Certification from the US Green Building Council.”
Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher believes that the honor is well earned. He said he is proud of the award, but not all that surprised.
“The middle-high is unlike any school most of us ever attended,” Fisher said. “It blends designs for 21st century learning with wide open, naturally lit spaces that celebrate Saugus’s history.”
