Cox Mill High School

Located on 65 acres adjacent to the Rocky River in the northwest part of Cabarrus County, the school campus includes a football stadium and track with seating for 2,200, baseball and softball fields, soccer field, and tennis courts.

The 232,500 SF building includes 36 general purpose classrooms, ten science labs, two biotechnology labs, 26 vocational and specialty classrooms, art and music studios, a 650-seat auditorium, gymnasium and auxiliary gym, cafeteria and kitchen, offices and support spaces.

The High School is bisected by a large Lobby/Commons area, which serves as the main entrance and provides lobby space for the after-hours functions in spaces at the north end of the school. This arrangement allows simultaneous public access to the large assembly areas, while providing security for the classroom and office areas.

Morris-Berg Architects developed a number of sustainable design elements for the project, including daylighting of large common areas, rainwater harvesting, energy efficient roofing, extensive use of recycled materials, enhanced storm water detention, and waterless urinals.

Design work was completed in less than nine months, including a separate site work bid package, and construction was completed ahead of schedule. The project was awarded the Star Award by the Construction Professionals Network of North Carolina as the Best Construction Project of 2009.

• Project Type: New Construction
• Year Completed: 2009