Midvale Middle School is one of the most unique and eye-catching schools in the Utah Canyons School District. The School is 205,000 square feet in size and accommodates over 800 students grades 6th through 8th. The design was inspired by taking cues from the brick houses and art-deco style architecture of the surrounding community. The three academic buildings are lined up together similar to the neighborhoods with “outdoor classroom” courtyards adjacent to the building.
This design was used to maximize natural lighting and connected individuality between the grades. Classroom layouts are organized around central collaboration spaces so the students can pour out into the open spaces. Midvale Middle School is a truly one of a kind learning environment for students and faculty, creating a natural and open space to learn and explore.
Ensign was hired to provide civil consultation services to VCBO Architecture. This school presented several unique challenges. An existing Elementary School was in place and functional to the west while access and drop off for the students were required to remain operational along the north while trying to construct the new Middle School.
Additionally, there was a substantial elevation difference from north to south requiring building stepping and connections to existing features through courtyards between building wings. Ensign worked directly with the architectural team and other consultants to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing building that took advantage of the existing site constraints.
This project required all contracted parties to provide an easy and accessible site during construction and a beautiful and functional middle school building. We are happy to report that both outcomes were achieved and Midvale Middle now welcomes students and community members alike into its open learning environment.