Top Projects of 2025: Octono Falls Middle School

Even before the Oconto Falls School District passed a referendum to fund construction of a new middle school, collaboration defined the project. Administrators, teachers, staff, contractors, design teams and community volunteers shaped a shared vision for the 90,289-square-foot facility, part of a $37.6 million referendum, serving students in grades 6 through 8 on a 90-plus-acre campus adjacent to the high school.

The design team confronted meaningful challenges, including staff concerns over security and distraction stemming from extensive glass use. Working with teachers, the team developed 3-D models demonstrating how transparent spaces could support flexible learning while maintaining safety. The bold “Panther Pride” exterior — orange metal panels, black aluminum framing and gray brick — presented its own complexity, as black and orange are rarely paired on building exteriors, requiring close coordination between designers and contractors to balance the striking materials.

Innovative construction methods included metal stud and gypsum board walls in place of traditional concrete masonry, reducing costs and creating a less institutional atmosphere, with custom graphics printed on durable wall protection to offset concerns about durability.

The finished school serves the broader Oconto Falls community through a public fitness center with a dedicated entrance, a central commons functioning as a pre-function event space, and terrazzo flooring and masonry materials selected specifically for long-term durability.

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