South Early College High School
Houston ISD
Houston, Texas
Smith & Company Architects was awarded the South Early College High School (SECHS) project for Houston Independent School District under the 2012 Bond program. SECHS is a premier early college designed for Houston’s high school students to support education needs that will provide student the opportunity to obtain an associate degree along with their diploma. This new 56,791 SF two story, “School of the 21st Century” is located on the Houston Community College South Campus and has been designed to house 400 students for personalized academic support using sustainable materials and systems that are LEED Certified.
The building is divided into four academic neighborhoods, administration, kitchen/dining and a multipurpose space all with movable partitions to create large learning spaces. This facility is shared by the Houston ISD and Houston Community College for after-hours college courses. The first floor includes a community room, dining commons, gymnasium which will also serve as a multipurpose room and auditorium, In addition, three wet labs and an art room. The second-floor houses academic and learning areas including a CTE Lab/ Robotics Lab, Physics, Biology, Chemistry & Robotics Lab, extended learning commons for student study time and outdoor learning areas. The facility has abundant natural light throughout the campus. The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles also have been incorporated in the design to provide a safe learning environment for all users. Visitors are checked in by a administrative team member at security vestibule area.
New Construction
Size: 56,719 SQFT (2 story Building)
Scope: Full Architectural Services
Notice to Proceed: March 2013
Completion Date: Fall 2015
Construction Cost: $13.5 Million