South Hills Middle School
Twin Falls, Idaho / 2017
The South Hills Middle School accommodates 1,000 students and was designed to focus on the intellectual, social, emotional, moral and physical development of the youth. The design supports independence, nurturing and provides a comfortable transition between elementary and high school. This two-story, 130,322 square foot middle school is located on a 30 acre site on the south side of Twin Falls, Idaho.
South Hills is the first middle school to open in the Twin Falls School District since 1979 and is the last of three new schools that the district has built with money from a 2014 voter-approved bond. LCA worked with the districts steering committee through a series of workshops and tours to develop the goals and objectives for the new school which includes its physical organization, scale, appearance, safety, security, and energy efficiency.
School security was a driving factor in the building plan layout. A total of four teachers can visually observe the hallways of the entire two story building. Color and way finding techniques were used to allow the students to feel secure in the open and natural light filled building.
