"Renovate as New" Creates a Fresh Learning Environment

William J. Johnston Middle School

Colchester, Connecticut

Tecton worked with the Town of Colchester in support of a new a school for more than 5 years, seeing the project through two studies and a successful budget referendum. This phased, occupied “Renovate as New” project retained an existing wing and gymnasium, while adding a new two-story wing and demolishing the older facilities. The resulting school features a more efficient layout, with a new two-story open atrium for shared spaces like the Media Center, Art, Robotics, Maker Space and Multi-Purpose Black Box Theater. Pods and common areas for lectures and casual gatherings support the team teaching model, while abundant natural daylight and views to nature are provided in every space in the school.