Project Strategy

Bullard-Havens Technical High School is a state-of-the-art, 215,000 sq. ft. facility that houses 13 vocational programs, featuring advanced shop spaces, dedicated theory rooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Sustainable systems are woven into the curriculum as hands-on learning tools, particularly for programs in sustainable architecture and electrical trades. The school’s design prioritizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and educational innovation.
Key Sustainable Features
• Fossil Fuel-Free Operation: Connecticut’s first technical high school to eliminate fossil fuels entirely. Heating and cooling are delivered via a geothermal well field paired with high-efficiency water-to-water heat pumps, removing any dependence on oil or natural gas.
• Net Zero Carbon Emissions: Achieved through all-electric systems, energy-recovery ventilation, and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology.
• On-Site Renewables & Efficiency: A robust solar array and a super-insulated building envelope minimize energy demand while generating clean power on-site.
Durability & Adaptability Materials were selected for extreme longevity in a high-traffic technical environment. Flexible, modular classrooms and shop areas allow rapid reconfiguration as curricula and industry standards evolve.
Acoustical Performance A 30% reduction in ambient noise was realized through strategic finish selections:
• Over 100,000 sq. ft. of custom luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in school colors, equipped with acoustical backing for superior sound attenuation and underfoot comfort.
• More than 5,000 sq. ft. of premium sports flooring chosen for impact absorption, durability, and additional noise control.
The opportunities the Bullard-Havens Technical School can provide in this new state of the art facility are vast. “Education is truly the bridge to the future,” said Senator Herron Keyon Gaston. “It is the economic engine to how we move forward. We have got so far away from the trades in our institutions and schools, and I think we need to get back to that.”