The motto for Phillipsburg High School is; Prepared, Self-Confident, Distinguished. It was mandatory that those same characteristics be prevalent in their new 330,000 square foot building to support grades 9-12. The school is located on a geophysical fault line between limestone and bedrock. The structure was situated on the highest and most stable portion of the site. A mixed texture and design was needed on the exterior palette to reflect the same stability and texture as the rock foundation below its walls. This new building needed to provide an enjoyable environment for all who daily walked its halls.

Caliza Stone Series was chosen for the building façade due to its aesthetics and durability, durability that provides a benefit of reducing long-term maintenance. A dark monotone color in both smooth and split textured finishes was selected to represent the rock on which the building sits. This pattern of smooth and texture forms the base of the academic wings, rises up on the stair towers and accents other areas to assist in breaking up the mass of the building. The Caliza Stone units provided a stable base for both the structure and the aesthetic design of the campus.

Students, faculty and administrative staff occupied their new school in September of 2016. This new building, with its organized and distinctive design, promotes pride in their environment and provides students with the atmosphere to grow in creativity and academics. Sitting atop a high elevation, with fantastic views of the surrounding community, the building’s design joins with nature in providing a visually enjoyable experience while on the campus.