Creating environments
that form people

  • Projects
  • People
  • Process
  • About Us
  • Contact
Previous  Project
All
Next  Project

The DJ Sokol Learning for Life Building

Looking to the future with respect to the past

Mount Michael Benedictine School is a Catholic preparatory high school with a boarding and day program located in Elkhorn, NE. Mount Michael is a school deeply rooted in academics and faith. BCDM was approached to design a new learning facility that looks to the future while respecting the school’s heritage and campus’ vernacular and context.

Client:

Mount Michael
Benedictine High School

Location:

Elkhorn, NE

Budget:

$7,654,700

Year:

2017

Values reflected in architecture

After careful analysis, the DJ Sokol Learning for Life Building was oriented across from and on axis with the existing chapel. Precast concrete and brick were chosen for the exterior of the building to match the chapel. Five precast arches with the Benedictine values — service, community, hospitality, moderation, and integrity — inscribed in their face guide students and visitors into the school.

Mount Michael DJ Sokol 19

Accommodating a growing population

The study hall functions as the school’s FEMA-rated storm shelter in the north classroom wing. Creating a classroom building east of the existing school building accommodates a growing student population and creates a campus feel as students travel from the living quarters, commons areas, and chapel on the east across a braided brick path and under the new arches to school each day.

Emphasis on STEM

The building has a strong emphasis on STEM learning spaces: science, math, and engineering classrooms. All rooms are in close proximity and make up the majority of the south wing. Technology labs and the library are visually connected to the main atrium near the front entry to create an open learning environment. The second floor holds nine classrooms as well as additional restrooms.

Mount Michael DJ Sokol 11
All Projects
Share:

Would you like to discuss a project?

Are you interested in collaborating and working with us? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us

BCDM Architects

  • 1015 N 98th St., Ste 300
    Omaha, Nebraska 68114
  • P: 402.391.2211
    F: 402.391.8721
    • Projects
    • People
    • Process
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Legal and Disclaimer BCDM Architects 2025
Top of page