Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation | Wesley Chapel, Florida, USA | 2022

Architects: CannonDesign
Architects of Record: Hepner Architects
General Contractor: Creative Contractors
Client: Pasco County Schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
Photographers: Christopher Barrett

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation (KRAI) was designed to be a vessel of impact for students and the local economy. Focusing on Career and Technical Education (CTE), the school offers hands-on, interactive learning that teaches skills more than theory, arming students with the competencies needed to successfully transition from high school to careers, or into college and beyond.

Showcasing strategic siting and stunning architecture, the project features various internal and external spaces engineered to foster community, collaboration, and safety. What distinguishes KRAI from other high schools is the impact it will have on students and their future career prospects. As a standalone, purpose-built CTE and comprehensive high school, it offers students direct pathways into careers ranging from digital technology and engineering to biomedical science, cyber security, building construction, robotics, and more. With the capacity to serve 1,000 students, the school's integrated curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities provide students with the skillsets needed to successfully transition from high school to careers, or into college and beyond.

The thoughtful design of the building maximizes the area's warm climate and natural winds. Oriented in the east-west direction, which is the primary wind direction throughout the year in the area, the building's courtyard can be cooled by natural ventilation as much as possible. In all of the exterior walkways, there are no internal corridors that shade the glass of the building to keep interior temperatures comfortable.