DESIGN
The District’s bond in 2008 passed to provide equity of educational amenities across the District’s elementary schools was both the opportunity and constraint on this very small site. By removing an undersized 1,400 SF Administration building a wedge shape area was created for a new 7,350 SF Student Services building with Library, Media Center, Student Support and Staff Support functions that would meet the District’s amenity requirements.

The new building is an expression of the program, site constraints and the desire to unify old and new with one simple gesture. A roof form cantilevers beyond its steel columns creating entry porch, reading terrace and a covered walkway between the existing and new structure.  The roof is canted upward to the west creating a higher volume for the Media Center that also protects the large glass wall that announces the project to the community. The lower east end of the roof creates a single supervision point for both the park and the school lunch area and welcomes the community to the campus. The south face is wrapped in brick to a datum matching the existing building height with punctuated windows that are an expression of the structural grid. The new structure has transformed this neglected school site into a community amenity and is a positive reminder of the power to change lives that local school bonds have.

SUSTAINABILTY
The design team wanted to demonstrate that sustainability is not limited by size or budget with this small project. The campus has been designed to be “self-shading” where 95% of the school’s openings are protected by the new buildings placement and roof extensions or have a northern exposure.
•    High Performance Low-E glass, energy star roof, occupancy and daylighting controls for lighting coupled with an efficient HVAC system creates a building that is 19.3% better than Title-24 (2009). 
•    The roof form is orientated north bringing natural light above the existing building into the covered walkway naturally lighting area.
•    Water Use Reductions of 31% for the building and 52% for landscape.
•    The south face is wrapped in brick, a contextual response that contributes to an energy efficient shell with thermal mass.
•    A healthy environment is achieved with low-emitting materials in all interior spaces, including paint, ceiling tiles and carpet promoting student health. 
•    Linoleum, a rapidly renewable material, in addition to high recycled content ceiling tiles and casework were also used throughout the building.
•    All classrooms meet the stringent CHPS requirements for classroom STC standards.
•    75% of the construction waste was diverted from the landfill 
•    The roof complies with the Cool Roof Rating Council’s criteria for “cool roofs” and LEED SSc7.2
•    100% of stormwater is treated on site and polished for regeneration of ground water