Quakertown School District Administration Offices

Location: Quakertown, PA
Description: Renovations for New District Administration Offices

The Quakertown School District was looking to centralize all administration within a single building. After purchasing a building to renovate, the District hired GKO Architects to develop a design layout that respected the appropriate adjacencies and separations between public and private areas while also providing effective building security. The facility provides office space for all administrative positions, a new public Board Room, staff training rooms, and central district storage.

The building purchased to house this facility was previously used for office and warehousing. GKO Architects helped the District achieve cost savings by working with the existing layout to create a facility that met specific programming needs while preserving as much of the existing construction as possible.

The interior design of this project was carefully crafted using dynamic colors and textures, fine materials where appropriate, new furniture, and attractive natural and artificial lighting.

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School West Gymnasium

Location: Colonial School District, PA
Description: West Gymnasium Addition

This publicly bid, state-of-the-art 38,000 SF Gymnasium facility for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School was conceived as a “flexible” arena for Sports Activities. With a massive folding wall that separates the Main Gym from the Auxiliary Gym, there are several court and bleacher configurations that can be arranged. This project also included new locker room facilities, a new lobby with concessions, and sports equipment storage areas. Translucent wall panels were utilized to provide non-glare natural light into
the Gym areas. This building was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (CSD)

Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA
Description: Renovation and Additions to Plymouth Whitemarsh High School

Following a thorough Feasibility Study, which included a detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis prepared by GKO Architects, Colonial School District engaged our firm to design a comprehensive revitalization of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. Due to the age of the existing facility, substantial improvements were made to the building’s infrastructure and exterior envelope. The mechanical system was replaced resulting in significant energy savings, while also providing better air-quality through improved natural and mechanical ventilation. The existing window systems were removed and replaced with a new energy-efficient curtain wall system, which has vastly improved thermal resistance.

The primary Building Façade, which faces Germantown Avenue, has been refreshed by a number of enhancements including: a new Canopy at the Main Entrance; new windows; new masonry site retaining walls; new site and exterior building lighting; and other façade improvements. The façade and interior enhancements will knit together and stylistically bridge the original 1960s construction with an Instructional Wing Addition which was constructed in the mid-1990’s.

Wallingford Elementary School (WSSD)

Location: Wallingford, PA
Description: New Addition & Renovations

Wallingford Swarthmore School District has been in the process of revitalizing its buildings for more than a decade. In 2010, GKO Architects was selected to design additions and renovations to Wallingford Elementary School. This project completely transformed an outdated 1960’s era school into a vital 21st Century learning environment. Utilizing a well-conceived Phasing Plan, new Additions were constructed and readied for occupancy as the existing building was demolished in several phases. An 11,000-square-foot portion of the existing building was retained and renovated to accommodate the Administrative Offices and other program support spaces, while a 57,000-square-foot addition was constructed to house new instructional spaces. The final result was a transformed, reconfigured, and educationally revitalized state-of-the-art Elementary School with new energy efficient-building systems.

Nether Providence Elementary School (WSSD)

Location: Wallingford, PA
Description: New Addition & Renovations

Following a selection process that included submittal of detailed design proposals, GKO Architects was commissioned by Wallingford-Swarthmore School District to transform Nether Providence Elementary School into a state-of-the-art facility. Our design concept proposed demolishing a wood-framed portion of the existing building, renovating the remaining 40,000-square-foot portion, and constructing a new 30,000-square-foot addition. With comprehensive alterations including a new Main Entry completed, the school’s internal layout had been totally transformed. Our design concept for the school’s revitalization also included Energy-saving strategies that enabled the building to meet “Energy Star” certification standards.

Every effort was made to minimize site disturbance wherever possible as a cost control measure. For example, the existing bus loop and visitor parking areas were maintained largely intact. New site construction elements included a stormwater management system, athletic fields, car loop, service drive, reserve parking area, and soft play areas.

Unami Middle School (CBSD)

Location: Chalfont, PA
Description: Revitalization of Unami Middle School

Central Bucks School District proposed an interesting concept to revitalize Unami Middle School utilizing phased renovations so that the construction could be completed over the course of several Summers. For the past several years, GKO Architects has been working with CBSD to make this concept a reality for Unami Middle School.

The initial renovation project transformed the school’s auditorium. Following, additional revitalization projects have included: renovation of science classrooms, Art and Music Rooms, general classrooms, and renovations / additions to the Athletic Department. The final phase of renovations were completed Summer of 2016.

New Hope Solebury High School and Middle School (NHSSD)

Location: New Hope, PA

After preparing a comprehensive Feasibility Study for New Hope Solebury School District, GKO Architects designed significant Renovations and Additions to the High School and Middle School Buildings. The project includes new mechanical, electrical, data, and security system infrastructure, renovation of the existing buildings, and several significant building additions which help to reorganize this large complex.