Strasburg Elementary School Addition and Renovation
Why
RTA completed a master plan for the Strasburg School District and found significant growth at the elementary school level, which hadn’t been expanded since 2002. The most immediate needs were life safety and building system upgrades including the outdated mechanical and fire alarm systems.
How
Through a highly collaborative design process with the District and Planning Advisory Team, the Elementary school addition and renovation consisted of two phases: the addition, followed by renovations and MEP upgrades to the rest of building.
What
The 10,000 SF addition includes eight classrooms and a gymnasium. Interior renovations include pre-school and kindergarten rooms, special education spaces, a STEM space, and breakout spaces for collaboration and group learning. Early in the DAG process, a member asked if nature could be introduced into the design which led to the interiors design concept of ‘Magnifying the Outside World’. Spaces are filled with honeycomb, spiral, or fractal shapes and patterns found in nature, and the outdoor nature discovery area allows students time to identify those patterns outside. Playground equipment in the shape of oversized insects continues this theme and introduces macroplay.
Sustainability was also a goal of the design, and the project is pursuing CHPS certification to enhance the health, well-being, and performance of students and staff.
Project Details
- Square footage: 10,000
- Project cost: $7.327M
Design Details
- Collaborative design process
- Occupied during construction
- BEST Grant project
- Sustainable design, pursuing CHPS certification
- Classroom addition
- Music and art room
- Kitchen renovation
- Playground improvements
- Improved circulation for drop-off and pick-up
- Gymnasium addition
- Photograhy by Vic Moss