Part of a Capital Improvement Plan, the newly constructed Platt Technical High School now provides state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Originally built in the 1970s, the old school was in need of major upgrades. Initiated by the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, the facility responds to industry needs, new educational trends and addresses student demand.
The recently completed technical high school is approximately 225,000 SF and includes classrooms, science labs, vocational training areas, art rooms, culinary arts program with restaurant, cosmetology program, student commons, gymnasium, multipurpose space, media center and administrative offices.
Vocational Programs prepare students for the real world. The curriculum at Platt Technical focuses on both vocational instruction and the reading, writing and math necessary for success in life.
Sikorsky, owned by Lockheed Martin, is one of the world’s largest helicopter manufacturers. Headquartered in Stratford, about five miles west of Platt, Sikorsky is one of about 30 companies working with Platt Technical High School to provide work-based learning opportunities for students. These firms range from industry giants to family-owned business and see Platt as a source of new talent.
While the program of study integrates academic learning and vocational skills, the structure itself blends architectural precast cladding with a steel structure. The two-story sections are a total precast system. Combining the talents and products of several area precast manufacturers a variety of products were used on the sprawling building.
Manufactured by Coreslab Structures (CONN) Inc., the architectural precast panels feature a buff colored concrete matrix with both exposed aggregate and light to medium sandblast finishes. Deep reveals follow the outline of the building in a linear pattern and are offset by exposed aggregate bands at the base panels. Dark grey pigment was used in the two-story academic wing. Those panels feature an acid etched finish.
The cafeteria and gymnasium/ fitness center were enclosed by precast concrete walls and the open bays for trade training, utilized precast interior walls. Precast hollowcore planks manufactured by Fabcon were used to span the mezzanine areas while precast double tees manufactured by Unistress Corp. serve as the high level floor and roof system.
Along with the new school, a new 15-bay bus garage (10,000 SF) was planned as part of the school project. The garage will house maintenance equipment and the school’s blue buses which transport students to job sites and athletic teams to away games.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Morganti Construction, Danbury, CT worked with project architect, Drummey Rosane Anderson (DRA). The team worked to minimize the impact to students and faculty during construction. School remained in session for the duration, and the original structure was demolished to make room for athletic fields.
The new building is an upgrade in every sense, with improved facilities, technology and temperature control. Precast concrete materials support on-going operations with its inherent durability and low maintenance.
More manufacturing professionals are needed because of an increase in demand for their products and services since the pandemic. Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development estimates that most manufacturers in the state have at least 10 percent of their positions open.
Public schools like Platt Technical that specialize in vocational training, serve students who are interested in entering the workforce immediately upon receiving their diploma. The new precast high school provides a pipeline to support the local industry work force. |