Faith Christian School: Finding Space Within
By: Frances Putman

When Faith Christian School in Summerville , South Carolina , needed more space, school leaders looked within the existing building. Was there a way to create the space they needed without building a new structure? What came to mind was a rarely used, half-court gymnasium at the back of the school. Could they convert that area into more classroom space and also add a science lab?

Architects with A/E Technologies, Inc., church architects and planners, in Indianapolis , Indiana , were able to work with school leaders to create the space they needed. The company has worked with Faith Assembly of God Church, which operates the K-12 elementary and high school in the suburbs of Charleston , on other major church building projects.

"Our biggest challenge was to try to accomplish what the owners wanted, working within the size of the building and without going over budget," said Jack P. Morgan, project manager with A/E Technologies, Inc. "Very few Christian schools are working with unlimited funds."

Representatives from A/E Technologies were involved in creating the master plan for the school's renovation, working on project drawings and overseeing construction of the 8,600-square-foot project, which cost around $500,000.

The renovation included converting the existing gymnasium into a two-story facility and adding a small, two-story addition. Since an adjacent cafeteria also had very high ceilings, like the gymnasium, a drop ceiling was added and the space above floored to create more classroom space above this area as well.

Morgan said it was a relatively small project, but the kind he believes is common in many Christian schools as they build and expand incrementally. The new space houses eight junior high and senior high school classrooms, a science lab and a fellowship room. New metal lockers with sloped tops were installed as part of the renovation, and a convenient stairwell was added to connect the two floors.

The first step in the project was reinforcing the existing structure and adding the second floor and infrastructure needed for classrooms. Since the building's windows weren't functional in a two-story facility, new ones were designed and installed, as were student restrooms. Steps were taken to ensure that the new facilities met the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Mechanical, plumbing and heating and air systems were upgraded to handle increased use in the new space. The building was extended out approximately 30 feet in the back to create more square footage and improve circulation. It also was important, Morgan added, to adapt the exterior to match the existing school. Masonry used on the main school building was extended, giving it a uniform appearance. A new roof also was added once the small addition was completed.

Morgan said most of the materials used in the interior of the new addition were basic. Gypsum board walls were installed, as well as acoustic-style ceilings, and sturdy carpeting was used throughout. Some unused space within the renovated area was converted to built-in storage space, which the school needed. Many items, like chalkboards and corkboards, were donated or otherwise provided by the school.

For schools looking to increase space, Morgan said renovating an existing facility might provide a good opportunity. Even if the space doesn't immediately seem to be available within an existing building, options may be available.

"Let an architect take a look," he said. "Don't just immediately dismiss it out of hand."

Larry Burgbacher, senior pastor of Faith Assembly of God in Summerville, suggests that schools considering a building project think carefully about the space they need.

"Make classrooms larger than you think you need," he said. "Students need room to move around, and teachers want extra space."

It's too late after classrooms are built, he noted, to realize the space is too small.

In general, school leaders at Faith Christian School have selected basic materials for building--nothing especially fancy or sophisticated. But there are areas where Burgbacher believes extra funds should be allocated.

Though it is expensive, he suggested schools look into using individual heating and cooling units in classrooms, as teachers always have different ideas about the perfect temperature. And, when trunk lines are run, he said, some classrooms will be cooler while others are warmer.

"You'll get more complaints about this than anything else," he said.

He also suggested schools purchase the highest quality carpeting they can afford, as replacing it every couple of years can be much more expensive in the long run.

Regardless of the materials selected, most Christian school leaders know that building projects can be costly. One of the services A/E Technologies offers its clients is help with fundraising to help meet those needs. That might include help in setting up a capital campaign, applying for grants or developing a plan unique to an individual school.

"We look at the work we do as a mission," Morgan said. "We look for solutions for our clients, whether it's in design services or help with fundraising. Church schools seem to be rapidly growing, and how to fund building projects always seems to be a major concern."

For 30 years, A/E Technologies, Inc., www.ae-tech.com , has been working with churches to plan for growth, design facilities and finance projects. The company has also worked on many Christian school projects in conjunction with churches.