Quattrocchi Kwok Architects On-Site for "Topping Out" of New Student Union Building at Cupertino High School

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 08, 2013 (Press-News.org) The new Student Union Building at Cupertino High School in the Fremont Union High School District "topped out" yesterday, reaching a significant milestone in the completion of the new facility. Design firm Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) looked on as students, board members and staff signed the final beam of the east bridge canopy, which was then hoisted and secured in place.

The future two-story, 29,000-square-foot-building will be comprised of the Cafeteria, Library and Administration for the campus. As part of the project, QKA also designed a completely renovated main Quad, as well as site improvements at the school's entry. QKA has teamed with program manager Kitchell, coordinator of all district bond projects, and general contractor Blach Construction to build the new space, which is scheduled to be completed in January 2014.

"The new Student Union Building, which is situated at the entrance to the school, was designed to adapt to the changing community and the role the school plays here," said Mark Quattrocchi, principal at QKA. "Our goal was to create a series of collaborative spaces where students can seamlessly eat, study independently, work in groups and socialize all in the same area, and I think we achieved this. The campus will now have an environment like that of the high tech offices that surround it."

The building will support the school's vision of 21st century education, with collaborative work spaces flowing from the Quad's performance stage and seating areas through large glass doors into the open seating area of the Cafe. It will feature an open staircase to the upper level, which will house a seating area with cafe tables and presentation areas. The Library will also be on the second level, providing traditional reading and studying areas, as well as a variety of enclosed meeting spaces. Further, construction of the new Student Union Building will allow for existing spaces to be converted into additional classrooms to accommodate the significant growth in student enrollment the district is experiencing.

From the earliest stages of the project, QKA extensively utilized building information modeling ("BIM") technology to design, coordinate and present the new building. 3-D walk-throughs were used to convey design ideas for the different spaces to the Cupertino High School team and district school board. BIM was also used to coordinate with the engineers working on the project, as well as with Blach Construction. Blach Construction and its sub-contractors have continued to use BIM to coordinate and plan work during the construction phase of the project.

"The use of BIM on this complicated project has been an invaluable tool in terms of arriving at agreed-upon design concepts, and in coordination with the construction team and mechanical and structural engineers," continued Quattrocchi. "We use the technology in designing all of our projects as it allows for better planning, coordination and accuracy throughout all phases of design and construction."

Cupertino High School's Student Union Building was also designed with sustainability as a driving goal, including careful detailing to provide balanced daylighting, energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems, as well as the use of sustainable building materials.

About Quattrocchi Kwok Architects
Santa Rosa-based Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) provides comprehensive master planning, design and construction administration services for Northern California K-12 and higher education, historic renovation and community facilities. With more than $1 billion in projects completed in the company's more than 25-year history, QKA's award-winning portfolio reflects a commitment to design that emphasizes environmental sustainability and community impact. Recent projects include the new American Canyon High School, which is heralded as the "greenest school in America" and has achieved the highest score of a California school to date from the Collaborative for High Performance School (CHPS) verified program. Visit: http://www.qka.com.

About Cupertino High School
Cupertino High School (CHS) is a four-year comprehensive high school with a current enrollment of approximately 2000 students, grades 9-12. In the next five years, expected enrollment exceeds 2400. Established in 1958, CHS is one of five high schools in the Fremont Union High School District and serves students from the suburban areas of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose and Cupertino. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the City of Cupertino is a blend of residential areas and high technology industry. CHS's community and staff are committed to academic excellence within a family atmosphere, providing both challenge and support for all students. In the past five years, scores on the California performance indicators have increased over 90 points, leading to an API of 901. CHS also encourages all students to participate in their extensive athletic, performing arts and club programs.

About Blach Construction
Blach Construction Company builds structures of enduring quality and value throughout northern and central California. The company's experience encompasses a broad cross-section of commercial, industrial and institutional building types, including healthcare, education, technology, life sciences, professional services and civic/community facilities. Blach is also a recognized leader in sustainable design and construction. The company is based in Silicon Valley, with full-service regional offices located in Sacramento and Monterey. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.blach.com.