Maplewood Middle School

The Challenge

Hurckman Mechanical Industries (HMI) was selected as the HVAC specialty contractor for the new Maplewood Middle School in Menasha, Wisconsin. The project’s challenge was to deliver an all-electric, net-zero energy facility that would operate entirely without the use of natural gas. The mechanical systems needed to integrate both geothermal and solar energy sources to heat, cool, and ventilate the 223,430-square-foot building efficiently. Additionally, the design required fitting an extensive amount of ductwork, piping, and heat pumps within limited ceiling space while maintaining full service access and performance standards.

The Solution

To meet these goals, HMI installed complete HVAC, sheet metal, and piping systems supporting the school’s renewable energy design. The system included a 160-well geothermal field that uses groundwater to regulate building temperature year-round, along with a 1.14 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic array that helps preheat air during the heating season. HMI utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) to coordinate system layouts with other trades, ensuring precision within tight spaces and reducing material waste. Prefabrication of components improved quality control, shortened installation time, and minimized on-site disruption during construction.

The Results

The new Maplewood Middle School stands as one of Wisconsin’s first all-electric, net-zero energy schools and a model for sustainable design in education. The building provides a healthy, comfortable learning environment for up to 1,000 students while reducing carbon emissions and lowering operating costs for the Menasha Joint School District. The geothermal mechanical room, visible through glass walls, allows students to observe how clean energy powers their school, turning the building into a living classroom for sustainability. HMI is proud to have played a key role in delivering a project that reflects the community’s commitment to innovation, education, and environmental stewardship.