It’s one dome down, two to go, in the ongoing $4.5 million construction project for the Wichita County school district.
The district gained use of their first dome this summer which contains a strength training facility and locker room facilities for WCHS athletes.
The other two domes, located adjacent to the former junior high school, are under construction and will be ready for use by the district in the fall of 2011.
“Construction is on schedule,” according to Supt. Jim Hardy, who says the construction company is urgently trying to get the buildings enclosed so work won’t be interrupted during the winter.
The dome located farthest to the west will hold the kindergarten, first and second grade classes. The dome to the east is what Dr. Hardy refers to as a “gymateria.” It will include a gymnasium/PE facility for grade school students, serve as a practice gym for sports and also be the cafeteria for all students in the district.
A Showcase
When completed, contractors have advised Dr. Hardy they intend to use the district’s newest facilities as a showcase for schools and other interested parties who are exploring the possibility of dome construction.
“The energy efficiencies speak for themselves,” says Dr. Hardy. “The roof won’t leak because it’s a dome, there are no termite issues because of the concrete and you have a building that’s fireproof and tornado-proof,” he says.
The unique domed construction calls for an inflatable dome that includes four inches of insulation plus a thin concrete coating that is blown into place. Because the concrete is blown below the insulation and not above, this eliminates condensation problems that accompany most structures.
When completed, says Dr. Hardy, the domes have an energy efficiency rating of about R60, compared to R16 or R17 for most structures.
The bond issue approved by the district’s voters will also pay for a major upgrade to the junior high school which was constructed in 1928. Improvements include wiring, floor covering, painting and new windows.
When completed, the lower floor of the two-story building will be used for special services such as English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, migrant assistance, Title I reading and math and special education. The second floor will have classrooms for grades 4-6.