As a replacement facility to the existing elementary school, the two-story, 56,000 square foot building will reside on the school's current playfields. This enables new on-site construction while maintaining operation of the existing facility, and optimizes views of the surrounding landscape. Roof forms and building massing are modulated to match the scale of surrounding residential buildings, and the use of masonry veneer at the base and other key locations provides an appropriate monumental feeling without overpowering elementary school students.

University Place Primary School has a rich legacy, punctuated by the evolution and succession of several buildings on the current site. In honor of the original building site, the replacement of the 1978 structure and site amenities could not look past the 90-year significance.

Designed to accommodate up to 500 students, the facility will feature 16 general classrooms, three learning centers, three kindergarten rooms, a pre-school, a multi-use gymnasium with music platform, a large commons/lunch room and various support spaces.

Design emphasis centers on creating small learning communities within the school and a central, shared group-learning space to enable increased curriculum and classroom connections. Historical elements from the old building, including a 1940s school bell and student artwork, also are featured in the design.

Sustainable design features include optimizing daylight and natural ventilation in all occupied spaces, photo-cell and occupancy sensor controlled electric lighting, highly energy-efficient water source heat pump system and the use of “non-toxic” materials and finishes throughout the interior learning environment.

Grades K-4
500 students
56,000 SF
Construction Est.: $15,317,000
Estimated Completion: 2008