Gus Almquist Middle School

Dunaway partnered with VLK Architects to provide structural engineering services at Gus Almquist Middle School. This 160,000-square-foot educational facility represents the third middle school for the Hutto Independent School District, offering a diverse range of learning environments. The school encompasses state-of-the-art classroom and science laboratory spaces, a robotics lab, art classrooms, and fine arts studios. At the core of the school is a library and digital learning space, complete with arena seating, designed to inspire and facilitate collaborative learning.

The school’s second floor features a media center and library area, highlighted by a learning sphere that extends out over the cafetorium, and a two-story tall glass wall that offers panoramic views of the courtyard, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoor space. The oversized glass wall includes a walkway and required bracing for lateral stability. The structural challenge was met with an innovative solution that maintained visual integrity: a Cast Connex universal pin connector forming an ‘X’ shape at the bracing intersection, providing necessary support while preserving the minimalist and visually appealing design.

Further enriching the school’s offerings are collaboration areas, a cafeteria with a stage for performances, and comprehensive athletics areas that include competition and auxiliary gymnasiums. The athletic field, equipped with synthetic turf and a four-lane track, caters to a wide spectrum of sports and activities, ensuring that Gus Almquist Middle School stands as a beacon of educational and structural excellence.

Renderings Provided Courtesy of VLK Architects