Maryville Christian School - Maryville, Tennessee
By: Frances Putman
Maryville Christian School opened in 1994 with the mission of providing an academically excellent, biblically based education to students in this east Tennessee community. From its inception, the non-denominational school had operated out of a local church. As the school grew, it was using more and more space, including several classrooms and the family life center, and students were even spilling over into other areas as well. It was obvious that the school needed its own space.
Local residents Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wallace donated 33 acres of property, right across from their own home, to the school. Plans were soon underway to design a new facility to be built at the new location. Target goals were set, and fundraising began in earnest.
Originally, the idea was to build out the school in three phases-the first being two classroom wings and an office area. As plans continued, however, the school decided it really needed to go ahead and incorporate part of the second phase-the gymnasium-into the first phase.
"Adding the gymnasium and outdoor playing fields was important, especially for the high school students," noted Thomas Caldwell, principal with Thomas Caldwell, Architect, the firm that designed the new school. "It would allow them to hold athletic events, which could have a big impact and be a key to future growth."
While adding the gymnasium was sort of a necessity, it also meant, more than ever, that costs had to be kept carefully in check. A pre-engineered metal building frame was chosen to save on costs. Low-maintenance exterior materials were selected, as well. Brick veneer and split-faced concrete block was installed over the metal stud walls in most areas, with metal panels installed in other, less visible ones. All were sturdy, low-maintenance options for the school.
With a master plan in place, the school was able to make wise decisions, even about materials. Metal panels, instead of brick veneer, tended to be used on walls that would be removed as part of later expansions. A green, standing seam metal roof was incorporated into the plans.
On the interior, low-maintenance materials were chosen for durability. Painted block was used in the restrooms and locker rooms, with vinyl composition tile installed in hallways and widely throughout for its durability of ease of care. Wood was installed on the gymnasium floor, but offices and classrooms were carpeted. In preschool and early elementary classrooms, tile was used as well, in areas in front of sinks.
"It was a challenge to keep costs down," recalled Caldwell. "But, we worked very closely with the contractor, holding regular site meetings to keep everybody on track."
Working closely together as a team helped make sure no money was wasted by having to go back and redo plans or make material changes.
In fact, for schools planning building projects, Caldwell suggests establishing a building team early and up front. Schools, he said, should have one person in charge who can make day-to-day decisions.
"Work closely with the designer and contractor," he added. "And, the contactor should be brought in early."
The contractor, he noted, can provide direct feedback on materials costs during the design process. This can help narrow the scope to what the school can afford.
He also suggests that schools determine a budget early in the process, when a designer and contractor can help them explore alternative, less expensive design methods and materials, if necessary. It always saves time and money, he noted, when everyone involved is aware of what is happening in the process.
"A close owner-architect-contractor team is needed from the first day," Caldwell said.
In this particular project, he noted, there were some delays because of the weather, but it didn't cause major problems because everyone was involved in the process.
This close relationship will likely be carried through the additional phases the school has planned. The second phase will include a second story, with an expansion of administrative offices and more classrooms. While the school has a library now, this second phase will include an expanded library and an elevator.
The third phase will mean the construction of a separate high school facility. The school anticipates the necessity of this building as today's students reach higher grade levels. Currently, the majority of students are enrolled in the elementary program, but that will likely change over the next few years as current students progress.
When all phases are completed, the concept is to have areas that are specifically for elementary-aged students or high schoolers, but to also have some common areas that everyone shares. The library will open into a courtyard, with a prayer gazebo. The plan is to have other common areas, like computer rooms, also looking out into the courtyard.
Thomas Caldwell, Architect, www.tcarchitect.com, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a full-service professional design and planning firm with more than 15 years of cumulative experience in architecture. The team's diverse background allows the flexibility to execute a wide range of project types.
Fast Facts
School:Maryville Christian School
Location:Maryville, Tennessee
Student Body:348 students
Grades Served:Preschool through 12th grade
Project Goal: The school, which had been sharing space in a local church, wanted to build its own facility on donated land.
Size: 38,000 square feet, including a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium
Cost: About $2 million, or about $53 per square foot
Challenge: As is true with many Christian schools, the biggest challenge was simply to keep costs to a minimum, while meeting all the needs of students and not compromising on quality.
Solution: Starting with donated property was a big advantage for the school. Then, the architect chose a pre-engineered, steel building frame, which was a big cost saver. Brick veneer and split-faced concrete block were installed over the metal stud walls in the most visible areas, but metal panels were used in less visible areas, adding to the cost savings.
