Aspiration & Achievement
Dynamic school in a forest setting inspires students and staff to perform to their highest potential through engaging spaces, enduring natural materials, and adaptable plan with an enhanced relationship to community and the environment.
RECOGNITION
2023 A4LE Washington Chapter Polished Apple Awards, Polished Apple Award Winner
2022 A4LE Pacific Northwest Chapter Pinnacle Awards, Award of Distinction
2021 AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards, Citation Award Winner
2021 AIA Seattle Honor Awards, Honorable Mention
2021 Learning By Design Architectural Design Awards of Excellence, Grand Prize
PROJECT DETAILS
Replacing an outdated 1950’s era building, this school plays a strong civic role functioning as both elementary school and community center. Designed to preserve its densely woodland setting to reinforce a strong connection to the natural environment, the school accommodates fluctuating enrollment and meets the district’s energy-saving goals.
The two-story building is centrally located on the site, with classroom groupings arranged around a courtyard with large community spaces adjacent to student learning. Movable classroom walls adapt to fluctuating enrollment. It provides a safe, welcoming environment and clear point of entry into the school, while ensuring classrooms have views and access to the outdoor learning areas. Biophilic design includes daylit spaces to maximize natural light filtering through the evergreen canopy, with strategically advantageous views, while building scale and materials including wood extend its nature-inspired character inside and outside. Interior wood screens evoke qualities of the adjacent evergreen forest, while striations in brick mimics the appearance of bark. Through a robust set of sustainable strategies, the school is net-zero ready. A rooftop solar array and solar hot water panel demonstrates the district’s energy awareness and cost-saving measures. Overall, the school supports student health and wellness and lays groundwork for student environmental stewardship.
This school meets district conservation priorities to develop compelling, enduring, and sustainable schools, unique to its community, supporting learning and discovery, while being a good steward of resources.
