Located southwest of Salt Lake City in Tooele, Utah, Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) is a U.S. Army testing facility that supports the nation’s chemical and biological defense programs. In 1953, the DPG built an elementary school and a high school to accommodate the military base’s growing population. In 2016, these schools were replaced with a uniquely integrated, efficient design by NWL Architects.

For this project, NWL reconfigured a 300-student high school into a single K-12, or primary/secondary school, which was a first for the Tooele County School District. Built with funding from the school district and the U.S. Department of Defense, the school was carefully designed to meet the Department’s rigorous durability and anti-terrorism standards. The new “Home of the Mustangs” features a grouted masonry exterior load-bearing wall structure; securely anchored, extra-thick window and door systems; and sizeable standoff distances for enhanced security.

In addition to safely designed modern classrooms and administrative areas, the high school was equipped with a new full-size, brightly lit gymnasium decked out in mascot red and gold colors, complete with ample telescoping bleachers for Mustang fans to enjoy games. The school was also outfitted with a new auditorium for students to share their talents and enjoy entertainment.

Smartly designed to make use of the area’s natural resources, the school is Tooele County School District’s first geothermally heated and cooled school. Complete with airy, light-filled hallways and comfortable common areas, Dugway High School was designed sustainably and thoughtfully to help students build bright futures.