 | |  |
| ||
  | |||||
| |||||
Newport Heights Elementary School Inspired by its heavily forested site, Newport Heights Elementary School draws from the surrounding palette to create a canvas of environmental expression. Landscaped courtyards connect buildings and act as learning gardens, roof forms act as rain collectors, continuous windows in corridors enable connections with the outdoors, and an outdoor amphitheater employs surrounding trees as a backdrop for school performances. Blurred lines between outdoors and indoors enable students to experience the natural beauty and environmental intrigues of the Northwest. The most influential factor affecting the building's organizational design is the desire to provide a facility that is responsive and supportive of the educational program and in turn enhances the teaching and learning environment. Due to the large size of the Newport Heights Elementary School there was strong motivation to break down its scale and create a school that strengthened the relationships of teachers to students, students to teachers, teachers to teachers and students to students. This was critical to the success of the new Newport Heights Elementary School facility. The 46,837 square foot facility will house up to 562 students in three buildings linked by a central corridor. This layout breaks down the school's scale to ensure a more intimate setting, uphold relationships between facility users and maintain the residential feel of the neighborhood. To retain a sense of community, a large gathering plaza near the entry encourages socializing and outdoor team teaching. The exterior building form, comprised of masonry, glass and metal paneling, creates a traditional setting with a northwest architectural expression. Old growth conifers were retained to perpetuate wildlife habitat and plant biodiversity. The Northwest native plant palette and drought tolerant species ensure reduced water consumption throughout the site. Rainwater diverted from the butterfly roof structures into the storm system showcases the reuse of rainwater as an exciting water feature. Grades K-5 |  | ||||
| |||||
