Cullman High School

Cullman High School

Fuqua & Partners Architects designed the new additions and renovations to the existing Cullman High School. The project was completed in phases consisting of: A new Academic Building, renovations to the school's auditoriums, and a Fine Arts & Family Living addition.

The new Academic Building at Cullman High school provided Fuqua & Partners the opportunity to replace several fifty year old buildings and consolidate functions into one two story structure. It includes 24 classrooms for general instruction, a multi-story state of the art media center and a multipurpose lecture and meeting room. Also included within the building is a weather ‘safe zone’ designed to accommodate the entire student body. Hidden within plain sight, the ‘safe zone’ utilizes classroom and corridor space with window protection designed to function as magnet boards for teachers utilize in instruction. When needed the shutters can be closed to provide a safe environment within the classroom space. This facility provides flexibility for the student and faculty with gathering spaces for groups and with individualized
instructional areas.

Originally built in 1962, the existing auditoriums received both an interior and exterior makeover. This included a one story 6,500 square foot addition that expands the existing lobby, provides more dining capacity for the cafeteria and addresses ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) concerns by providing expanded toilet facilities and overall accessibility within the facility. The auditorium renovation included all new seating, new automated theatrical line sets and a new audio-video system. Part of this renovation included the mitigation of asbestos in the existing building.

Defined as the Fine Arts and Family Living Addition, this two story building not only replaced outdated facilities but provided lateral structural support and stabilization for the renovated fifty year old auditorium. The Fine Arts program includes spaces for Choral, 2D and 3D art, Drama and the school’s TV Studio. Family Living spaces include a Home Economics/Sewing Lab, a Food Lab with preparation stations, and a personal finance/computer lab. This building also houses Special Education spaces that includes a weather ‘safe zone,’ so that students with special needs can be safely housed in event of severe weather. A five stop, front and rear loading elevator is provided to connect a variety of levels, with an open corridor and ramp system to allow wheelchair access to both the new and renovated spaces. This open area provides a location for art displays and student interaction.