Foothill High School, Science Center

• Project Name - Foothill High School
• Sub Name - Science Center
• Location - Santa Ana, CA
• Owner - Tustin Unified School District
• General Contractor/Contract Manager - Barnhart, Inc.
• Architech - NDT Architech

Located in the affluent neighborhood of Tustin, California, Foothill High School is home to a student body of approximately 2,500.  With projections indicating class size is to increase, the Tustin Unified School District set in motion a complete expansion of the school’s Science Center.  Pierre Sprinkler & Landscape worked with Barnhart Balfour Beatty on the 26,000 square foot project.

The project was slated to be finished within an 18 month timeframe, a tight deadline by any standards.  Time became even scarcer when the district decided to change part of the landscaping plans at the eleventh hour.  Pierre jumped right in to assist in developing a modified plan that would still keep the project on schedule for the 2009 fall opening.  According to the project manager, Jim Maillux, they “helped us work with the owner and architect on design changes.”  Pierre’s assistance validated the practical application of the changes the District requested.

The high profile nature and size of the job demanded a large quantity of plant material.  Pierre carefully unloaded, placed and planted thirty-one large palm trees throughout the landscape.  Several flanked the main entry way but the majority of palms were hauled to the courtyard area where their dramatic height could play against the buildings’ sculptural detail.  Another major design element was the 4,040 shrubs installed in planters around the building, within the courtyard, and along the fence line.  Seventeen different species in varying sizes were called for bringing color and texture to the project.  Lavender, Blue Nile, and Indian Hawthorn were the most common shrubs used.

Despite the challenges, the Foothill High School Science Center finished in a timely fashion to everyone’s relief.  Pierre’s years of experience working with local school districts were instrumental the project completing on time.  The client was thoroughly impressed with Pierre’s hands-on approach to the situation.  Jim harped that Pierre “bent over backwards on this project.”  That’s just the way Pierre does business.