Our Client
DLR Group
The Project
- Architectural Acoustics
- Mechanical Noise Control
- Environmental Noise Control
- Audiovisual Systems Design
With an enrollment of 2,400 students, and at 312,300 sq. ft.,Tahoma High School was the largest high school in Washington State when completed. Total construction cost: $120 million.
Our Role
The primary acoustical challenge was the double classroom design that enabled the rear half of the theater to convert to individual classrooms through the use of electronically-controlled operable walls. The design required support for classroom use independent of the theater while providing effective acoustics whether the theater was open or closed to the classrooms. In addition, the classrooms were required to comply with the acoustical provisions of the Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol (WSSP) during classroom use. A system of operable partitions was developed that provide effective sound isolation and also accommodate the steps of the theater center aisle using panels of varying lengths that deploy from the ceiling. A user-friendly AV design allows the use of the AV system for instruction in the individual classrooms or as part of the theater system. The theater features a full fly loft with overhead canopies and sidewall stage towers to provide flexibility for ensembles of all sizes, an orchestra pit for musical performances, and complete sound/AV & production intercom systems.