In December 2014, Springfield Public Schools embarked on a challenge to create an Education Specification for all future middle schools in their district. With a strong vision and a fully-engaged process that included staff, students, and the community, Hamlin Middle School was the first school created with these new criteria in mind.
Design of the new facility prioritized STEAM curriculum, while also celebrating Springfield’s historic lumber mill past. The use of cross-laminated-timber throughout the facility, and especially in common spaces, aesthetically reflects the importance of the region’s timber industry. Sustainability features were incorporated into highly-visible elements to inspire and inform students. Electrochromic glass in the media center allows the building to respond to its environment, while observable pumps and valves renders the building a learning tool. All materials met healthy building standards. The school itself is stitched together with two main streets serving as the main circulation spines. These were created to limit unnecessary hallways and to provide easy supervision for staff.
Located at the intersection of the some of the area’s busiest roadways, the design maximizes the high visibility afforded by the site and has become a point of pride for the community.