School is better at the beach! This new 155,000 SF 950-student two-story middle school inspires the next generation of learners in Onslow County, NC. Dixon’s 65 teachers and 950 students work in a collaborative, light-filled space. Traditional and non-traditional learning environments facilitate everything from private discussions and small group work to multi-class exploration and student body assemblies.

LM chose a structural system consisting of load-bearing concrete masonry walls, bar joist and metal deck framed roof, and bar joist and concrete slab on metal deck for the second floor. Foundations consisted of shallow spread footings and first floor concrete slab-on-grade. Double-height ceilings and clerestory lighting makes the spaces light and bright.

The central Gathering Hall and Learning Commons are framed with structural steel and clad with metal panel and curtain-wall systems. The main gymnasium is capped with bowstring trusses and a standing-seam barrel roof.