Markets: Education

The (2) two-story, 14,500 SF tilt-up building sits in the heart of campus and houses an array of classrooms focused on science, technology, and cutting-edge laboratories. The 4,300 square-foot library, study areas, and atrium lounge provide modern learning spaces where students can acquire knowledge and put their learning into practice with close proximity to design spaces and science labs. The 1,000 square-foot, biotech lab will enable students to study advanced science and conduct extended-duration experiments, gaining experience in molecular biology, genomics, and ecological studies. The biotech lab will be outfitted with a DNA sequencer, PCR machine, centrifuge, computers, and other high-level equipment. There will also be specialized software to help students with projects involving DNA sequencing, measuring gene expression, or studying genetic differences in populations, to name just a few examples. The new 1,300 square-foot, laboratory and augmented maker space will allow students to explore their interests, practice creative problem-solving, and prepare to engage in our evolving world.

The new Maker Space’s proximity to the existing Design and Fabrication Studio and its indoor/outdoor workspaces will create a generous, multi-use area accessible to students working on creative projects of all kinds. The new 650 square-foot lab will bring students to the cutting edge of technology, with 3-D printers, a CNC mill machine, a large format laser cutter, and electronics soldering and table machinery.

Lusardi and Architects Mosher Drew worked seamlessly to deliver the project ahead of schedule and under budget while navigating projects delays due to rain and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Yulupa Elementary project was a combination of new construction and modernization. The project was completed in two phases. Phase 1 included 12 modular classrooms and the modernization of the amphitheater, library, courtyard, classroom, and new soccer field. Phase 2 of the project consisted of the new 6,200 square foot Multi-Use Building.

The makeup of this project dictated the speed of the schedule and required part of the construction to take place after school hours. In addition to the building components, Lusardi assisted with the coordination and actual relocation of the existing library after school hours to maintain the proposed schedule.

The design alone for the new Multi-Purpose building was complex considering its large foundation footings, 50’ span in-between column lines, length of the required steel, exposed acoustical deck, sloped roof, and photovoltaic system. As part of the design- assist process, Lusardi worked closely with the steel engineer and subcontractor to accomplish the required structural support for the building without compromising the Architect’s vision. The steel beam lengths for the roof structure were too long to have shipped in a cost-effective manner. As a resolution, the steel was transported in shorter individual lengths. Once delivered to the site, the steel was connected with column splices and plates that were quick to erect.

The roof mounted photovoltaic system was then coordinated to mount to the roof deck, without visible fasteners penetrating the exposed acoustical deck.

The building envelope for the facility was very extensive, and required a great deal of attention and coordination between all subcontractors. The 7-layer wall assembly for the building alone, beginning with the interior, included gypsum board, a glass fiber blanket insulation, metal framing, gypsum sheathing, a weather barrier, foam plastic board insulation, and finally, portland cement plaster for the exterior.

All the modular classrooms required the installation of new electrical and gas services to accommodate temporary placement. The modulars were connected to the existing classroom systems to access a full fire alarm, data, and PA system. The majority of the electricity supply for these was generated in the 75kW Solar Photovoltaic System that was installed in the new modular classrooms as well and integrated into the existing classroom buildings.

Vanguard University is a top, private Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies. The success and growth of their program prompted the school to renovate and expand their existing facility. The newly renovated campus is designed to be an approachable center for students to interact and collaborate.

The existing two-story building was renovated and expanded with the addition of a new wing and three-story building.  The new 52,000 square foot campus has a Santa Barbara Style architecture with a smooth Santa Barbara plaster finish, wrought iron grilles, clay mission barrel tiles, ellipse doors, decorative pre-cast medallions, arches, and pre-cast Tuscan columns. The center courtyard was renovated and decorated with a structural glulam beam trellis.

Construction was phased in order to keep the campus in operation during the active school semester. Lusardi worked closely with the school to minimize interruptions for the students and faculty.

Tenant improvements were made to the 7,021 sf Monarch School located in San Diego, California.  This public K-12 school is the only such school in the United States that offers free education exclusively for students that are homeless, at risk of being homeless, or impacted by homelessness.  The Monarch School is a nonprofit organization that needed an open concept design for teaching and learning.  With new finishes like vinyl flooring, custom P-lam case work, open grid acoustic and tackable ceilings, and magnetic whiteboard wall coverings allows for the flow of inspiration between students and teachers.  This project took about 5 months to complete and was done while the school was in operation.