When the students at West Hills Primary headed for summer vacation, demolition crews got to work. But DIRTT’s work was already well under way. Taking full advantage of our prefabricated approach, proprietary design integration software and a modular construction system let us start building components even before classes ended.
Location
Kittanning, Pennsylvania
SQ FT
50,000
DIRTT INSTALL
5 weeks
DIRTT Construction Partner
Workscape/CONSTRUKT
Architect
IKM Architecture
Designer
IKM Architecture
General Contractor
Moret Construction Company
The Challenge
West Hills Primary School wanted to shift away from its open-concept learning environment. It needed walls for better acoustics and safety, durable casework storage, and a solution to integrate and protect technology. And it needed to be completed in a single summer.
Image Credit: Puskaric Huang Photography
Our Solution
DIRTT’s precision manufacturing and 21-day lead times accommodated the short timeline. Working with IKM Architecture early in the preconstruction process ensured everyone got the most of our innovative approach. After the design was complete, we began manufacturing components in our state-of-the-art facilities before classes even wrapped up.
Once the site was prepped, the DIRTT was shipped to site for a quick installation. Our Solid Walls are built to exacting acoustical standards and connect seamlessly to all DIRTT components. Technology can be easily integrated, and Writable Surfaces and magnetic wall panels give students and teachers additional means of communicating. New Casework cubbies reduce clutter by giving students a place for books, jackets, and boots.
The Impact
In just three months, West Hills created 28 new classrooms and an updated suite of admin offices. The new spaces are bright, acoustically sound, and build to last. Our MDF panels are 15 times more durable than drywall, which is important in a space full of rambunctious eight-year-olds. By combining planning with modular construction, we demonstrated a repeatable model for fast, quality-focused school construction projects.
The main reason we chose DIRTT was to get things done on time and not to have to do this over multiple summers, and DIRTT was the main reason we were able to accomplish that. To be honest with all my years of projects, I've never seen a project go as smooth as this.”
Sam Kirk
Director of Finance and Operations, Armstrong School District
Project Includes:
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