The Burkholder Middle school design, as a local landmark, includes preservation and reuse of the existing gymnasium. The style of the new building is a modern interpretation of the original brick school buildings. It is designed to use half of the energy of a typical middle school to meet the requirements of the Clark County School District. The most notable features include a geothermal heating and cooling system and the use of natural daylight in all classrooms and offices.

In addition to historic preservation and energy efficiency, the design of Burkholder Middle School also represents the success of a consensus-driven design process. From the very beginning of the design of Burkholder, SH Architecture included members of the Henderson Community, CCSD administrators, Burkholder staff, and design professionals in our design committee. By engaging many people in the design process, SH Architecture was able to consider many points of view while we addressed school design process, SH Architecture was able to consider many points of view while we addressed school design issues such as security, traffic, aesthetics, grade-level interaction, and after-school use. The result is a school that is truly part of the community. We anticipate that, when complete, the new Burkholder Middle School will quickly re-assume its role as a cornerstone of Henderson’s Downtown community.

Qualifies for LEED Silver rating

Burkholder Middle School in Henderson, Nevada has served the Henderson community for over 50 years, both as a middle school and as Basic High School. A local landmark, the school has played an important role in the lives of many Southern Nevadans. In addition to the typical challenges posed by a school replacement, the architects addressed the significant role history plays in rebuilding such a community symbol. The design of the new Burkholder Middle School includes preservation and reuse of the existing gymnasium, and the style of the new building is a modern interpretation of the original brick school buildings. The Clark County School District demands sustainable design for all new schools. Burkholder Middle School is designed to use half of the energy of a typical middle school. While there are many building elements that support this energy reduction, some of the most notable are the geothermal heating and cooling systems and the use of natural daylight in all classrooms and offices. In addition to historic preservation and energy efficiency, the design of Burkholder Middle School also represents the success of a consensus-driven design process. From the very beginning of design on Burkholder, the architects included members of the Henderson community, CCSD administrators, Burkholder staff, and design professionals in their design committee. By engaging many people in the design process, the architects were able to consider many points of view while they addressed school design issues such as security, traffic, aesthetics, grade-level interaction, and after-school use. The result is a school that is truly part of the community.

AIA Nevada Design Awards (2006) Entry No. UB06075, Submission.
UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: Form Core Boards, Project Identification Form, Photo Release Form, Intern Compensation Disclaimer Form, Project Entry Form, Exteriors Photos, Site Plan, Floor Plans, Interior Photos and CD


AIA Nevada Design Awards (2007) Entry No. B07072, Submission.
UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: Form Core Boards, Project Identification Form, Photo Release Form, Intern Compensation Disclaimer Form, Project Entry Form, Exteriors Photos, Site Plan, Floor Plans, Interior Photos and CD

"Nevada Best of 2007: Burkholder Middle School." Southwest Contractor. December 2007: 90.