Universal Metro is proud to have played a key role in the construction of Castaic High School, a truly state-of-the-art high school campus serving the growing community of Castaic, California. Spanning more than 256,000 square feet across 58 acres, this expansive education project was thoughtfully designed to provide students, educators, and staff with a modern, inspiring learning environment built for performance, wellness, and longevity.

This seven-figure, state-of-the-art high school development designed by Rahnau Clarke Architects, includes five classroom buildings, a STEM-focused science and library center, a gymnasium with athletic training spaces, a performing arts building, a full-service food service facility, an administrative building, and a maintenance hub. Throughout every space, Universal Metro’s flooring expertise helped support the campus vision—delivering durability, comfort, and design continuity across a diverse range of environments.

A Campus Designed for Wellness and Performance

Castaic High School was designed following the USGBC’s CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) green school standards, integrating energy efficiency, sustainability, and student wellness into every aspect of the campus. As a recognized “Green School,” the project incorporates environmentally responsible design practices that reduce energy use, improve indoor air quality, and support the overall health and comfort of students and staff. Flooring selections were carefully chosen to meet these green school principles, providing durable, low-VOC, and sustainable materials that maintain aesthetic appeal and long-term performance in high-traffic academic and communal spaces.

• Armstrong Natural Creations LVT introduced warm, wood- and earth-inspired textures that reflect the surrounding Southern California landscape.

• Armstrong Standard Excelon and Raffia VCT delivered resilient, easy-to-maintain solutions for classrooms, corridors, and other high-use areas. enhanced acoustics while adding bold visual interest in libraries, administrative areas, and open collaboration spaces.

• Altro slip-resistant flooring ensured safety and performance in sports therapy and athletic support areas.

• Tarkett | Johnsonite and Flexco rubber moldings provided seamless transitions and design cohesion throughout the campus.

The flooring palette was intentionally selected to mirror the rolling foothills and high desert environment surrounding the site. Large expanses of natural light further strengthen the connection between interior and exterior spaces, reinforcing the school’s commitment to wellness-driven design.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Collaboration

Large-scale education projects often present complex challenges, and Castaic High School was no exception. Universal Metro’s team demonstrated adaptability, coordination, and craftsmanship throughout every phase of construction.

Phased Construction: Buildings were released on a staggered schedule, requiring meticulous tracking of materials, dye lots, and labor to ensure consistency across the entire campus.

Mid-Project Design Evolution: During construction, the school refined its identity and color palette. Universal Metro worked closely with the design team and general contractor to seamlessly integrate updated flooring selections without disrupting the overall timeline.

Weather Impacts: Significant rainfall in 2019 introduced scheduling challenges, which were addressed through proactive planning and flexible execution.

COVID-19 Response: With less than a year remaining, the onset of the pandemic required immediate implementation of PPE, distancing protocols, and jobsite safety measures. Our team adapted quickly to protect workers while maintaining progress toward completion.

Through every challenge, Universal Metro’s installers and project managers upheld the company’s commitment to precision, accountability, and care—ensuring a successful outcome for all stakeholders.

A Lasting Educational Legacy

Today, Castaic High School stands as a benchmark for modern, state-of-the-art educational design, recognized with the 2021 Starnet Design Award – Bronze Winner in Education. The campus supports academic excellence, creative expression, and student wellness, with flooring solutions engineered to perform for decades.

For Universal Metro, this award-winning project exemplifies what we do best: collaborating with project teams to deliver expertly installed flooring that elevates every space and enhances the daily experience of students, teachers, and staff. It’s more than flooring—it’s an award-winning foundation for the future.