ACHS: Minnie Howard Campus
Project Location
Alexandria, VA
Project Type
– Education
Services
– New Construction
Awards
– 2025 Engineering News-Record Regional Award of Merit – K-12 Education
State-of-the-art educational extension featuring an innovative design and a community aquatic center on the first floor
The Project
The Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus marks an exciting new chapter in the Alexandria City Public Schools system. This impressive 320,425 SF five-story accommodates 1,600 students and is built to Type 1B construction standards with conventional shallow foundations.
In line with sustainability goals, this project meets Net Zero energy standards using geothermal wells and an array of photovoltaic systems, including roof panels, roof canopies, solar shades on the south elevation, and site canopies./p>
Structural Features
One of the standout features of this new high school is its innovative design, including a first floor aquatic center situated directly below a third floor gymnasium. This unique layout requires clear spans for 98 feet to keep the aquatic center free of any columns. Spectators in the aquatic center also have an unobstructed viewing area thanks to the long-span framing of the gym supported by an 88-foot span girder truss.
Architecturally, the building boasts a complex C-shape with 12 exterior sides, adding to its distinctive and modern aesthetic. Economical concentric-braced frames are at optimal locations to laterally brace the structural steel building frames, which are exposed to view. The frames are fireproofed with intumescent paint to meet building code fire rating requirements.
The structural design of the building features steel framing with lightweight concrete floor slabs, ensuring both durability and efficiency.
