Solana Ranch Elementary School has finally completed construction and will open in the fall of 2014 to preschool through 6th grade. The architect of record for this new, 70,000 square foot + facility is Harley Ellis Devereaux, who is prominently located on the west coast and mid-west. The project was constructed by Balfour Beatty Construction.
The original design for this facility dates as far back as the 1990s, and the total cost for the project exceeded $27 million. The facility is provided with a full coverage automatic fire sprinkler system and modern fire alarm system.
It’s well known that schools are amongst the most safely designed buildings. Building codes require the design of such facilities to incorporate minimal levels of combustible products. Stairs, corridors, and demising walls between classrooms are required to be rated fire barriers. Furthermore, DSA has specific requirements that all life-safety elements, including fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and smoke control systems be designed by licensed Professional Engineers. Design-build construction is not permitted for schools.
