Kent Meridian High School
Kent, Washington
Location
Learning + Education
Project type
Architect
Role
Kent Meridian High School is a comprehensive campus modernization that strengthens building performance, extends the life of existing facilities, and reinforces the school’s identity through thoughtful architectural intervention. The project carefully balances technical upgrades with respect for the character and scale of the original mid-century campus.
Challenge
The main classroom building, constructed and expanded between 1952 and 1961, suffered from failing single-pane window walls that caused leaks, drafts, poor thermal performance, and excessive heat gain. The district sought to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term maintainability while preserving the recognizable character of the 60-year-old campus. At the same time, key student-centered facilities—including athletics and performing arts spaces—required modernization to better support contemporary educational and community use.
Solution
SCR Architects led a phased modernization strategy that addressed both the building envelope and critical campus program spaces. Approximately 15,000 square feet of glazing were replaced with new high-performance aluminum window systems designed to improve insulation, reduce air infiltration, and enhance daylighting. Tall window units with translucent upper panes bring natural light deep into classrooms while minimizing glare, and integrated solar shades help control heat gain during warmer months.
To reinforce school identity and refresh the campus appearance, anodized blue window frames and bright red solar shades were incorporated throughout the façade, creating a bold yet respectful update to the original architecture. Integrating the new systems into the existing mid-century structure required extensive coordination, including modifications to adjacent interior walls and careful detailing at the interface between old and new construction.
Beyond the envelope improvements, the project delivered significant upgrades to student life and extracurricular facilities. A full theater renovation modernized performance capabilities and audience experience, while a new auxiliary gym and adjoining locker rooms expanded athletic capacity and flexibility. Improvements to the existing main gym and surrounding support spaces further enhanced circulation, functionality, and usability across the campus.
Materials + Craft
The modernization emphasizes durability, performance, and clarity of expression. High-performance aluminum glazing systems and integrated shading devices improve energy efficiency while giving the campus a renewed visual identity rooted in the school’s colors. Interior renovations prioritize robust materials suited to heavy daily use, while updated lighting, acoustics, and mechanical systems create more comfortable and functional learning environments. Throughout the project, careful detailing ensured that contemporary interventions complemented rather than erased the campus’s mid-century character, resulting in a revitalized school that supports academics, athletics, and the arts for decades to come.
