Litchfield Verrado Middle School
Litchfield Park, AZ
The 98,985 SF middle school campus was built in two phases. The first phase includes the classroom pods, administration, media center, kitchen/dining and play fields. The second phase includes the cafeteria, gymnasium/lockers and six additional classrooms.
The site is located in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains and slopes approximately 30' from one end to another. This created design challenges, which were solved with stepping buildings and a 10' grade change within the campus interior courtyard. This grade change creates a transition space that provides the students with gathering and performance spaces. The slope and open space around the play fields give the school stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Valley below.
The campus is located within walking distance of many of the neighborhoods, parks and Main Street retail. The Spanish colonial-style architecture gives the school a classic appearance, while inside the campus are technologically advanced classrooms with state of the art equipment.
The first phase is organized around a central courtyard, which is enclosed by covered arched walkways. Raised towers mark each of the classroom and administration building entries and serve as location devises for the students and staff. The courtyard is divided into three areas: a central open lawn flanked on each side by circular seating areas shaded by trees. The seating areas allow the school to take advantage of favorable weather and will provide a stimulating learning environment.
