Loyal Heights Elementary School

Built in 1932, Loyal Heights School was designed by Seattle architect, Floyd A. Naramore. The original school housed students in 10 classrooms and in 1946, Naramore was commissioned to design a six- classroom addition that also included a gymnasium, art room and library.

We were engaged to design a comprehensive rehabilitation of the historic school and the first addition to Loyal Heights in 70 years.

The rehabilitation and expansion of this treasured neighborhood school encompassed renovation of the 36,730 square foot original landmarked school and the integration of more than 50,000 new square feet of learning and support space. The existing covered play structure was demolished to accommodate facility expansion on the small site and was replaced with a new covered outdoor play area.

The original lunchroom was restored and repurposed as the school library and a new gymnasium was added. A new commons space with stage and music room now adjoins the gymnasium and serves as the lunchroom.

Kindergarten and Special Education classrooms are also located on the first floor. The second floor is comprised of 20 general purpose classrooms, small group breakout rooms and learning commons, as well as a staff lounge.

An enclosed courtyard provides connection to the natural world, protected and secure out-door learning space, and natural light and ventilation.

Meeting Contemporary Use Standards in Historic Buildings

Energy Efficiency Is Possible

The degree to which this historically landmarked elementary school has been cost-effectively rehabilitated to achieve contemporary resource and environmental conservation standards is unique among historic rehabilitation projects.

Beyond the stewardship embodied in the rehabilitation vs. replacement of a historic school, the design integrates a variety of active and passive sustainable strategies including a ground source (geothermal) heat exchange system and solar-ready electrical system for future photovoltaic technology implementation, with a future goal of net zero energy consumption.