Cromwell Middle School and the Systems Supporting Student Success

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A great school isn’t just built. It’s carefully engineered to support every student, every day. While much of what makes a building “high-performing” happens behind the scenes, the impact is anything but invisible. At Cromwell Middle School, thoughtful engineering choices are helping create a learning environment where comfort, inclusion, and focus come first.

Led by Architect Perkins Eastman, the design team set out to create more than just a modern facility—it’s a student-centered space that can evolve with the community it serves. It was a student-centered space that could evolve with the community it serves. From the start, the architects and school district shared a clear vision: prioritize the everyday experience of students, teachers, and staff through smarter, more human-centered design.

That’s where our team came in. We partnered early in the design process to ensure that mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems weren’t just efficient, but also actively support learning. Every choice, from zoned HVAC to assistive listening systems, was made with people in mind. Together with Perkins Eastman, we set out to create a building that feels as good as it functions and helps students thrive in every space, every season.

In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain on how thoughtful engineering—like natural lighting, zoned HVAC, air quality, and acoustics—comes together to enhance the human experience. From ventilation and lighting to accessibility features, our systems are designed to work seamlessly behind the scenes, creating environments that support student well-being and success.

Spaces that Shape Learning

More than just four walls and a white board, a classroom is an environment that needs to support focus, comfort, and engagement all day long. At Cromwell Middle School, our engineering team worked closely with the architects to make sure each space would help kids stay comfortable and energized.

• Responsive LED lighting and zoned HVAC systems that adjust automatically, maintaining optimal conditions while reducing energy waste – helping students stay comfortable without distractions.
• Air quality and acoustics were key priorities. Clean air and clear sound help students concentrate, especially in busy, active spaces.
• Specialized rooms like science rooms and maker spaces were designed with enhanced ventilation and flexibility in mind, so they’re ready for experiments, robotics, and everything in between.

Designed for Inclusion

Every student deserves to feel supported in their learning environment. That includes students with different needs, abilities, and learning styles. A big part of our work at Cromwell was making sure that engineering played a quiet but meaningful role in inclusion.

We worked with the design team to incorporate:

• Assistive listening systems for students with hearing aids
• Voice-lift technology so teachers can be clearly heard in large or busy spaces
• Visual comfort strategies, like reducing glare and flicker, to support neurodiverse learners
• Clear sightlines and safe glazing, improving supervision while enhancing a sense of safety

All of this adds up to a school where everyone can feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.

The Result

With an ever-changing global environment, Cromwell Middle School needed to be equipped for what’s happening now and what’s coming next. Our team designed systems that are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective, with long-term value and human impact in mind.

Examples include:

• Backup boilers and a generator to keep the building running even if the power goes out, which is especially critical during New England winters.
• Solar-ready infrastructure, giving the school the option for future renewable energy upgrades.

This is a school built not just for today, but for the future — a space that can grow and evolve alongside the community.

Why it Matters

Cromwell Middle School is more than just a well-equipped building — it’s a thoughtfully engineered environment built to support every learner. Students benefit daily from systems they may not see, but that significantly shape their comfort, focus, and ability to engage.

High-efficiency HVAC, clean air delivery, voice-enhancing acoustics, and inclusive technologies all contribute to a learning environment that’s equitable, safe, and uplifting. Beyond school hours, the same systems support the building’s use as a true community hub, with shared-use spaces adaptable for after-hours programs, events, and public gatherings.

Cromwell Middle School stands as a powerful reminder that engineering is ultimately about people. It’s about shaping environments where students feel safe, energized, and ready to grow — not just today, but for years to come.

Click here to explore more of our K-12 projects on our website!