We’re pleased to announce Carla Olman Peperzak Middle School has received an AIA Seattle Merit Design Award!
This dynamic middle school overlooks the spectacular Palouse wheat fields of Eastern Washington. Named for Carla Olman Peperzak, a local 99-year-old Holocaust survivor and educator, it features an adaptable design supporting the guiding principles to build a ‘community of belonging’ and ‘learning happening everywhere’. Building orientation leverages the benefits of its unparalled setting for views, daylight, and outdoor learning opportunities.
An innovative learning space arrangement organizes classroom neighborhoods connected to a two-story open ‘heart of the school’ linked by a social stair for collaboration and interaction. The building’s form and finishes take inspiration from its agricultural context with durable zinc metal panels evoking utilitarian buildings of nearby farms, while masonry color and subtle texture take cues from nearby wheat fields.
Jury comments noted…
‘This is such an awesome building, there are so many great things to say about it. Designing schools is an incredible responsibility and we love how the school is organized and presents itself strongly in its context by connecting to its beautiful environment and the use of long lasting durable local materials. It all comes down to engaging with students, faculty and administrators and then creating imaginative classrooms and communal learning areas. The episodic composition of its lovely exterior and interior spaces with exposed structure strikes a balance between the town facing entry and field views.”
