Chatham Middle School

Chatham, NJ

The School District of the Chathams, with the assistance of Di Cara | Rubino Architects, passed a $22 million referendum which was used in part to complete additions and renovations at their middle school. It was the district’s goal, through the design of a new addition and the reconfiguration of existing spaces, to retain a neighborhood school atmosphere and maintain its “Blue Ribbon” curriculum.

A 33,400 SF addition at the middle school includes a new classroom wing, constructed on top of an existing area, which accommodates four new general classrooms, three new science classrooms, and a full-size gymnasium with locker rooms. Existing areas of the middle school were renovated to create new instruction areas including the conversion of an existing media center into classrooms and small group instructional spaces. Additionally, an undersized science lab and classroom were converted into a new music room. Finally, an existing weight room was also converted into administrative spaces. Outdoors, the existing grass field was resurfaced with an all-weather turf surface to accommodate the district’s girls’ lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey programs.

The 5,400 SF state-of-the-art Media Center is the sophisticated centerpiece to the middle school addition. High-end finishes abound in this elegant space, including porcelain tile, cherry-stained wood, and sleek silver accents throughout. The two-story space is anchored by floor to ceiling windows with northern and southern exposures to allow ample natural daylight to flow through the circulation area. A custom- designed circulation desk features rich wood tones with a perforated metal ledge and steel fin accents. The media center includes a teaching area, study carrels, and computer workstations. Sleek lounge seating at the center of the space adds a polished touch with its warm earth tones and eye-catching geometric pattern. The carpeting, with a random large-scale pattern, is a highly sustainable product, adding a “green” element to the space. Silver steel cantilevered shelving with wood end panels and exposed stainless-steel hardware keep the stack areas organized. Finally, the ceiling height of the media center is accented by recessed walls and is illuminated by refined wall sconces, creating a rich wash of color and adding to the refined and traditional style of the space.

---

Project Location
Chatham, NJ

Project Area
33,400 sf