Deseret Peak High School in Tooele County, Utah, demonstrates how tilt-up construction can meet the complex demands of large-scale educational architecture while achieving refined aesthetic and performance goals. The 336,000-square-foot, three-level facility was designed to serve the county’s growing student population and received Excellence in Achievement recognition for its innovative integration of structural and architectural tilt-up concrete systems.
Tilt-up construction played a defining role in shaping both the form and function of the building. The project combined tilt-up and masonry systems to balance efficiency, performance, and visual quality. Tilt-up panels up to 80 feet tall form the primary structural enclosure, establishing a bold, contemporary presence. Inside, exposed architectural concrete surfaces in key areas—including the 1,200-seat auditorium, student commons, and gymnasium—highlight the versatility of the method and the craftsmanship of the construction team. These panels required precision pours and finishes, as no patching or painting could be used to correct imperfections.
The project’s approach also addressed several regional challenges. The use of tilt-up construction helped mitigate local masonry labor shortages and maintained progress on a tight schedule. Fifteen-foot-tall tilt-up retaining walls, cast and installed faster than cast-in-place alternatives, supported early site development and improved sequencing for other trades.
Engineering precision was critical to the success of the project. Each tilt-up element demanded detailed planning, refined shop drawings, and closely coordinated lifting operations. A custom form-liner system was developed to achieve the appearance of continuous, monolithic walls by virtually eliminating visible joints—even at panel corners. The result is a cohesive architectural expression that demonstrates tilt-up’s capability to deliver both technical performance and design sophistication in complex, large-scale educational environments.
This article was generated based on content submitted during the Tilt-Up Achievement Awards program.
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