WATERTOWN – From geothermal wells to glass-wrapped classrooms, Watertown’s new high school is more than just a building—it’s a living model of sustainable design, advanced learning spaces, and community connection.

In a documentary-style video premiered at Watertown’s Community STEM Night on April 29th, viewers are taken inside the new Watertown High School, now under construction and on track to open in 2026. The project will become the first LEED Platinum, net-zero-energy high school in the nation.

The video highlights the building’s innovative features, including a rooftop solar canopy, ground and air source heat pump systems, energy recovery ventilation units, and a high-performance exterior envelope. Classrooms are arranged around a four-story central atrium that brings in natural daylight and creates an open, connected learning environment.

Viewers also get a behind-the-scenes look at specialized spaces such as the medical assisting suite, engineering technology labs, woodshop, biology classrooms, and a professional-grade culinary learning kitchen. Additional design elements include a universally accessible darkroom, a high-visibility media center, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium with northeast-facing curtain walls and extensive safety infrastructure.

The project reflects careful coordination between architects, engineers, and contractors, and incorporates input from educators, students, and the surrounding community.

WCA-TV would like to extend a special thanks to Laurie Soave of Vertex Companies for her outstanding support in coordinating on-site filming, and to Brait Builders Corporation for granting WCA-TV access to the site. Additional thanks go to the team of professionals who participated in the video, including architects Alexandra Sieving and Samantha Lane of Ai3 Architects.

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