Ironton City Schools has won an award for the design of its elementary/middle school building. The building was selected as a merit award winner in the 2010 Antron Carpet Fiber Designed to Perform Award Program.

The school, which was opened in 2009, was designed by Fanning Howey in partnership with Shawn Walker and Associates.

A panel made up of community members, board members and a teacher from each grade level helped pick out the colors and textures for the school.

“It’s an honor any time you receive an award,” Superintendent Dean Nance said. “I knew that I liked the colors and the design of the architecture but better than that our teachers had an impact so I guess it’s a reflection of their taste.”

The building is a two-story, 135,000-square-foot building with carpeted areas in the administration, media center and student dining area.

“The use of vinyl-backed carpet in these areas not only supports the aesthetics of the spaces, but allows for greater comfort, improved acoustics and ease of maintenance,” Susan Gladden, an interior designer with Antron Carpet, said.

Representatives from the school district and the architecture team will accept the award Friday in Columbus. Having won the merit Award, the school is eligible to win a grand prize, which will be announced April 31.

“It always makes you proud when you win an award,” Nance said. The design and construction of the district’s new high school has been getting a lot of attention because of its use of old parts from the former school. “We expect to win several awards for the high school but this came a little unexpected and it’s a reference to the good taste of teachers and good design.”