INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Flat Rock, North Carolina

As public school systems across the nation strive to improve retention, graduation rates, and student success long term, Henderson County’s Innovative High School represents a shared vision to provide greater opportunities to their students. This groundbreaking new facility is located on the Blue Ridge Community College campus and houses two innovative schools, Early College High School and the Career Academy.

Recognizing that the built environment plays an important role in the student experience, the facility’s design and finishes were selected to support academic success and well-being. More than 95% of interior spaces have views to the outdoors, and 90% of spaces receive abundant natural light – both of which have a positive impact on occupants.

With two programmatic bars that meet to form an “L” shape, the building is aligned on an east/west axis with good solar orientation. Throughout the building, energy efficiency is supported with exterior sun shading and different glazing types. For example, a two-story, south-facing glass curtainwall in the commons space was optimized toward prominent views. An external sun shade and ceramic fritted glazing minimizes solar heat gain and reduces glare into this space while allowing for balanced daylighting.

An on-site bio-retention pond handles 100% of the stormwater. In addition to sustainable design features of the building itself, its location on the community college campus reduces individual driving trips and vehicle emissions as students can readily access all needed courses by walking.