April 19, 2013

Light-Gauge Steel Framing (Oregon) and Interior Commercial (Oregon) -- Sandy High School

Photos by Josh Partee [enlarge]

Interior walls at the new Sandy High School are primarily metal stud and drywall.

[enlarge]

Panels depicting Mount Hood can be found at the main entry to the school.

Light-Gauge Steel Framing (Oregon)

Sandy High School

Location: Sandy

Contractor: Cascade Acoustics

Architect: Dull Olson Weekes Architects

Team: Building Specialties, GTS Interior Supply, Knez Building Materials Co., Spears Construction Supply, G-P Gypsum, Hilti International, Scafco Steel Stud Co.

The new $110 million Sandy High School was completed in fall 2012 on a sloping 82-acre site in the city of Sandy. The 310,000-square-foot school has a capacity of 1,600 students with space for an additional 200 if needed.

The complex consists of a main spline building that links three two-story classroom wings. Exterior wall construction is primarily of metal stud/exterior sheathing with other areas using prefabricated concrete panels and CMU. Cladding over the metal stud/sheathing includes cedar siding, metal panels and lightweight precast concrete panels.

Exterior construction required extensive coordination between the sub-trades because wall planes changed frequently and angled into one another. Cladding types changed two to three times on a given wall face.

Interior walls were primarily constructed of metal stud and drywall with level 5 finishes in the main corridors and level 4 finishes elsewhere. Numerous perforated wood, metal and laminate panels were used as wall cladding. These panels depict outdoor environmental elements of the Sandy community such as mountains, trees and water. At the main entry, the Mount Hood wall is more than 150 feet long and 42 feet high, sloping away from its base by 16 feet at its head.

The ceiling scope was complex because four primary grade elevations were linked through stairways. Metal-framed drywall ceilings and soffits facilitate the transitions to these various levels. The varied floor-to-ceiling heights were difficult to access, both for construction and finishing of the drywall ceilings.

Acoustics are always of concern within schools and this project contains four types of fabric-covered acoustical panels in the hallways, commons and gym. Barrel-style ceiling and wall diffuser panels were installed in the band and choir room.

Judge’s comment: “This project makes us all wish we could go back to school. It is LEED gold certified with an incredible design, fantastic interior finishes and exceptional workmanship. The acoustical materials will help to create the perfect educational environment.”

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