Falmouth was awarded a major capital improvements project by the State of Maine for its D. W. Lunt School. Oak Point evaluated the school facility and programs and expanded the study to include the adjacent Plummer-Motz School and the Falmouth Middle School. The results of the study determined that the construction of a new 140,000 square foot, Pre-K-5 elementary school on the existing high school/middle school campus would be the best solution for facility and program issues in the elementary schools. The project also allowed for elimination of portables at the middle school by moving fifth graders into the new building, improved traffic circulation at the middle school and adjacent road, and allowed for district-wide efficiencies by bringing all schools onto the same campus.
The new building provides two schools (K-2 and 3-5) within the school with six smaller classroom wings. It has a new central library, gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen, multipurpose room, and administrative offices in addition to the classroom spaces. Exterior improvements include a new stadium field with artificial turf and lighting system. A new wood-fired boiler system constructed to provide heat to the elementary school as well as the existing high school, reducing the district's oil consumption and fuel bill. Sustainable design components include building orientation that optimizes daylighting, a geothermal heating and air conditioning system, photovoltaic panels to provide electricity, a solar hot water system and also rain water collection system to be used in flushing toilets. Extensive green roofs are also provided on the project. The interior features abundant natural light, extensive views, low-VOC finishes, excellent ventilation, and adjustable lighting. Interior finishes incorporate local cedar placed irregularly on the lofty entry ceiling (reminiscent of forest landscapes), and in rolling wave patterns in the cafeteria.
The 72 classrooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD projectors, document cameras, and sound amplifying systems. Students and teachers utilize iPads and laptops, which are easily transported to the outdoor classroom that features a vegetated roof garden, boardwalk deck, and bench seating.
Falmouth, Maine
140,000 sf
LEED Registered
(Gold Anticipated)




