The Burlingame Intermediate School (BIS) is part of the Burlingame School District and has a population of 1,000 students. This project provides an effective and meaningful modernization of the campus, to support principles of future-ready learning, and enhance the District’s innovative educational program while modernizing these 1950’s era finger-plan classrooms.

The BIS Design Committee, along with H+A Architects, collaborated over a series of meetings and workshops, to receive input from all stakeholders. This process established the design goals and program
elements for this project:

Updated classrooms – The twenty classrooms at BIS had not been substantially renovated since their construction in 1953. Our work replaced all finishes, new power and communication infrastructure, and fire alarm, as well as a voluntary seismic upgrade.

Teaching wall – Each classroom features media casework at one end of the room, with sliding markerboards that open to reveal a large TV monitor. The opposite end of the room has a large conventional markerboard so that teachers have multiple options to support their teaching style.

Effective casework – the District incorporates elements of project-based learning in its middle school curriculum, and there are new cabinets for storing student projects. Additional casework provides more space for teacher storage and student backpack storage is arranged near classroom doors to help students get settled more quickly, saving instructional time.

Science Classrooms – one classroom in each wing 5 total were modified to serve the science curriculum, with additional sinks and mobile science teaching carts.

Natural Lighting – Windows and window coverings were restored to provide better natural lighting without glare. When additional light is needed, indirect LED fixtures provide high-quality light while saving energy.

Future Infrastructure – New lay-in ceilings improve classroom light reflectance values, and provide a concealed yet accessible space for future technology upgrades.

Site Accessibility – The original campus was built on a hill, and the main circulation walkway was too steep for both access and egress. In order to provide accessibility we introduced gently sloped paths that
wind between the finger plan classroom wings – this solution creates usable space in otherwise unused site areas, and the gentle paths, sloped at five percent grade, are easier to navigate and less expensive to build than conventional ramps with handrails.

Outdoor Learning Areas – We developed formerly unused areas between the finger plan classroom wings
with seating areas for various-sized groups. The areas are easily supervised and are used for outdoor learning, project space, and student socialization.

Toilet Room Upgrades – The campus has upgraded student and staff toilets, and the auditorium building
has new, larger toilet rooms for community and school events, including a non-gender family toilet room.

New Musical Instrument Storage – The Music Department has a renovated musical instrument room with new storage for instruments.