Princess Anne Middle School

Designed to create an engaging and sustainable educational environment, Princess Anne Middle School (PAMS) is a state-of-the-art facility that caters to students in grades 6 through 8, nurturing their growth and fostering a love for learning. Speight Marshall Francis proudly served as the Structural Engineer of Record and Agent 1 Special Inspector for this exceptional middle school project. 

With capacity to accommodate approximately 1,500 students and spanning a whopping 257,784 square feet, PAMS stands as a remarkable testament to innovative architectural and engineering solutions. The school's distinctive features, such as a large circular courtyard and academic courtyards nestled between grade level houses, contribute to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.

Outdoor learning takes precedence at PAMS, as all spaces are thoughtfully organized around a central outdoor commons area. This versatile space serves as the backdrop for learning experiences, outdoor dining, and features tiered seating with a presentation area, facilitating collaboration and community engagement. PAMS doesn't limit learning to traditional classrooms alone; it provides a variety of gathering spaces that cater to individual, small group, and large group learning, fostering a holistic educational experience.

Beyond the boundaries of the school day, PAMS opens its doors to the community, allowing them to utilize several large group spaces, including a gymnasium, a 600-seat theater, and a community room. This seamless integration between the school and the community reflects the vital role of the school in promoting the overall well-being of the neighborhood.

At PAMS, sustainability is at the heart of its design. Daylighting takes center stage, suffusing the interior spaces with natural light, enhancing the overall well-being of students and faculty. Additionally, a green roof adorns the kitchen, not only serving as a visual centerpiece, but also offering an eco-friendly solution. The incorporation of energy-efficient features, such as daylit spaces, a high-performance building envelope, solar power generation, rainwater collection for toilet flushing, FSC certified wood, and a geothermal HVAC system, showcases our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint. Embracing a sustainable mindset, PAMS was designed to achieve LEED certification.

Princess Anne Middle School, with its fusion of practicality, innovation, and sustainability, provides an inspiring and nurturing space for students and faculty alike. Its exemplary design serves as a testament to Speight Marshall Francis's relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that PAMS remains a cornerstone of community revitalization and a shining example of practical engineering solutions.

Awards:

HRACRE Award of Excellence - Best Educational Project | 2022

Photos courtesy of RRMM Architects.