Foundation for Growth

Building a More Resilient School Campus in Silicon Valley

To address the ever-growing student population in Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara Unified School District is developing three state-of-the-art facilities (elementary, middle, and high school) for its 55-acre Agnews School Campus in San Jose, California. The construction site’s poor, soft soil conditions turned the designer’s attention towards a ground improvement method known as cement deep soil mixing. The facilities are slated to open up from 2019-2022. 

“Other design goals of the project include energy efficiency and using materials with an environmental impact,” said Michael Healy, SCUSD’s Director of Facility Development and Planning. “As an example, polished concrete will be used instead of carpet. In addition to never requiring replacement, polished concrete is more sustainable and will not need to be stripped and waxed every year,” he added. 

When mixed to depths of approximately 40 feet, the locally sourced cement will allow the new buildings to be stronger, taller, and all around more resilient in the face of natural disasters.