Culpeper Career and Technical Education Center
Located in Culpeper, VA, the Culpeper Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, shaping the future of students in the Culpeper region.
Spanning an impressive 52,000 S.F., this state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of vocational training courses that prepare students for lucrative careers in various fields. From computer-aided design and nursing to culinary arts, cosmetology, industrial maintenance, EMT, cyber security, and building trades, CTEC ensures that students are equipped with the practical skills and real-world certifications necessary to thrive in today's job market.
With a commitment to excellence and collaboration, Speight Marshall Francis had the honor of serving as the Structural Engineer of Record for this groundbreaking project. Their innovative engineering solutions played a crucial role in bringing the Culpeper Career and Technical Education Center to life. The estimated construction cost for this remarkable endeavor amounted to $17.3 million, reflecting the dedication and investment made to provide an exceptional learning environment for the students of Culpeper.
A testament to the power of collaboration, CTEC is the result of a close partnership between Culpeper County and Culpeper County Public Schools. This partnership was forged with the intention of nurturing a highly skilled and competitive workforce in the region, catering to students who seek hands-on experiences and certifications that hold immediate value. Moreover, CTEC stands out as a dual enrollment school, enabling high school students to earn valuable credits towards a post-secondary degree, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Guided by the desire to meet the diverse certification needs of the student body, Culpeper County Public Schools worked closely with Germanna Community College to develop a facility that provides a comprehensive program. To ensure the CTEC design aligns with industry standards and expectations, a CTE Advisory Committee, composed of local business leaders, lent their expertise. With representatives from various sectors such as industrial maintenance, medical consultants, cyber security, engine mechanics, construction, and culinary arts, the committee played an integral role in shaping the direction and vision of CTEC.
What makes CTEC even more exceptional is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Despite a challenging budget, the collective efforts of the design team at RRMM aimed to create a facility that would minimize its impact on the environment. By strategically focusing on electricity-based energy systems, CTEC maximizes the use of on-site renewable energy sources, fulfilling the building's energy needs. Energy models reveal that 87.3% of the building's energy requirements are met by electricity, with the remaining 12.7% being supplied by natural gas. Remarkably, these models project that CTEC will consume approximately 745,000 kilowatt-hours per year. Building upon this foundation, the RRMM design team meticulously prepared the roof and utilized appropriate materials to accommodate a cutting-edge 562-kilowatt solar panel system. This system generates an astounding 750,000 kilowatt-hours per year, effectively transforming CTEC into a net-zero electricity building that leads the way in sustainable design and energy efficiency.
The Culpeper Technical Education Center exemplifies Speight Marshall Francis's commitment to collaboration, innovation, and practical engineering solutions. By serving as the Structural Engineer of Record, Speight Marshall Francis played a pivotal role in making this visionary educational facility a reality. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and engaging programs, CTEC is transforming the lives of students, preparing them for success, and contributing to the revitalization of the Culpeper community.
Awards:
Silver Design Award, Virginia School Board Association | 2022