◆ Architecture
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
Ignacio Elementary School Renovation & Expansion
Ignacio,
CO
Ignacio School District previously had below-standard performance rates, a lack of space for certain educational programs, and was losing students and staff to neighboring schools. To counteract these issues, the client desired “21st Century” Educational Environments that support academic excellence, a promoted sense of community, district-wide student safety and security, and an increase in educational programs.
Elementary Schools
Project Details
- Square footage: 60,592 sf
- Project cost: $11.35M
Design Details
- 21st Century learning spaces
- LEED-enhanced acoustics
- High performance sustainable design
- Daylighting
- Low-water native plants
- Accommodation for future technology upgrades
- Energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems
- Collaborative group areas
- Outdoor learning spaces
- Regionally inspired materials and forms
- Flexible furnishings
- Collaborative Design Advisory Team and active community involvement
- BEST Grant assistance
- Photography by David Lauer
Recognition
- 2016 Merit Award, International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Rocky Mountain Chapter
- 2015 Citation Award for Built Architecture, AIA Colorado South Chapter
- 2014 Summit Merit Award, CEFPI Rocky Mountain Chapter
- 2013 Peak Merit Award, for New Construction, CEFPI Rocky Mountain Chapter
- LEED for Schools – Gold Certification
RTA’s restructuring of the major components of the building allowed for space to include small group areas and a common science classroom with an outdoor patio. By including a variety of colorful shapes and materials in the corridors, the interior spaces reflect the energy and enthusiasm of this age group. The corridors are also a place for students to demonstrate learning with marker boards and tack surfaces.
Existing and new classrooms are designed as flexible learning spaces with LEED enhanced acoustics, daylighting, and the ability to accommodate current and future technology upgrades. The high-performing, sustainable facility uses low-water native plants for landscaping, maximizes daylighting, and utilizes energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems.
"They [RTA] met all deadlines and went far beyond what their services were supposed to be. They deliver what they say they are going to deliver.”
Based on the goals and visions of the Design Advisory Team (DAT), the District chose to renovate their existing 4-6 intermediate school into a PK-5 school. To accommodate the new age group, the team at RTA designed four additions and fully renovated the existing building with new mechanical, electrical, and data systems.