Matanzas High School: Design and Furnishing of a $23m Expansion
Matanzas High School in Flagler County, FL recently underwent a 20,000 sq. ft. expansion valued at around $23M. The expansion included four brand new classrooms, a state-of-the-art media center and Career and Technical Education (CTE) space, as well as a new dining area.
Flagler County Schools have plenty of responsibilities on their hands and space design and furniture specification do not need to be stressors detracting focus from educating the youth of Northeast Florida. They needed a partner that not only understands the basic needs of an education space but also has expertise in how product selection and space design can elevate an education space for the betterment of faculty and students alike.
Perdue Office, Northeast Florida’s premier Steelcase dealer, was able to do just that. Perdue worked closely with Flagler County Schools to identify product specifications and from there, procure and manage execution of installation for all furniture in the expansion spaces. Perdue was able to expertly navigate challenging operating environments including construction delays and coordination with other trades.
“Flagler Schools strives to provide a unique, powerful and intentional learning experience for all stakeholders. These efforts include the availability of industry leading, user-centered technological solutions, as well as adaptive and creative teaching pedagogies.
To strengthen these areas of focus, we rely on physical learning environments that harness creativity and innovation to enhance the delivery of content and the manner in which it’s absorbed. Simply, we require spaces designed for human growth – spiritually and academically.
In order to accomplish this, we needed an organization that would not only share and understand our goals but who would be willing to help develop a road map that navigates the vision in the most impactful way possible. A way that will excite learners and promotes higher order thinking. A way that encourages students to communicate and collaborate. This is exactly what Perdue provides for us.
Our Matanzas High School expansion project was our first real opportunity to correct a space concern we’ve had for many years due to population growth. This project provided additional classrooms, maker spaces, small and large group collaborative areas and a state of the art media center. Intentional design components of this implementation concentrated on flexibility, flow, resilience and adaptability as well as color theory, textiles, scents, biophilia, auditory and lighting. We needed physical spaces that would connect learners and increase health and wellness. In addition to functionality, we needed these spaces to be appealing. We believe there is beauty in design – specifically, intentional design. With that beauty comes a sense of ownership, which aids in the life of the space and the components within. This has been proven to motivate and increase mindset.
“Flagler Schools has been working with Perdue Office Interiors for many years, for many reasons – primarily because their designers are intentional. They understand our needs and are able to guide us through that process in a way that is educational and informative. Projects are discussed and very thought out and their product knowledge is extensive, which is evident during the length of the project. The passion their team brings to our team helps supercharge all phases of integration and helps Flagler stakeholders remain on the path of success and ready for the next challenge.”
– Joey DiPuma; Flagler County Schools.
