Michael Brady Inc. was commissioned by Rhea County to provide Architectural and
Engineering Services for a new 2,000 student 9-12 grade facility with renovated
vocational school. Rhea County High School is the home of the Eagles and the design
objective was to create a 21st century experience that would motivate the Eagles
to soar to new heights and rise above expectations. The building is constructed of a
structural steel frame with concrete block and brick masonry walls.
At the heart of the high school is a large common area for students to gather
during school hours, as well as for after school functions. The main assembly areas
– gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria and library – are directly connected to the
gathering space. The auditorium is designed as a multi-functional space. The flat
floor allows it to be a performance hall, banquet space, additional cafeteria space,
and for use in hosting small sporting events such as volleyball games and wrestling
matches.
The school hallways are designed with sloped corridor ceilings and angled walls to
create space for motivational graphics and to create an uplifting Eagle experience.
Each of the four corridors are color coded to aide in way-finding throughout the
facility and easy monitoring for security. Each classroom has individual HVAC units
(ductless mini splits) and is equipped with smart boards as well as built in walls of
storage and teacher work stations.
As part of the new high school construction, MBI provided renovations to the old high
school to be converted into an updated middle school. Renovations involved bringing
the building up to code with new a fire suppression system throughout, new lighting,
painting, and replacement of all the flooring. A majority of the flooring was changed
to polished concrete.