|
1.888.SHW.1019 | info@shwgroup.com | © 2010 | SHW Group LLP | All rights reserved |
|
|
|
|
| 1 2 3 |
|
| Following multiple collaborative meetings between SHW and Waller ISD administration, what was originally intended to be a re-site of an existing school transformed into the current, more appropriate design of Evelyn Turlington Elementary School. Sited on 20 acres of prairie pastureland, Turlington Elementary afforded SHW the opportunity to design a school that directly responds to the natural features surrounding it; creating an authentic connection between the school and its rural context.
Site Connection Two prominent site features influenced the placement and final form of the school: a century old Live Oak tree, and a pond situated along the western boundary. The school footprint and traffic flow were strategically placed to preserve and utilize these features. This natural pond, coupled with a detention pond and on-site well, allow all water to be captured on site, and all potable water needs to be met through the well. The substantial oak tree provides a striking point of visual interest, and its preservation enriches the students' environment. By narrowing the building at the centrally located library, then drawing upon that piece to align it with the oak tree, a usable outdoor area is created that establishes a strong dialogue between the building itself and the natural environment. As the heart of the school, the library aptly provides generous views of the expansive breadth of limbs stretching out from the base of the tree. Ample glazing along the northern and southern elevations further reinforces this clear interior/exterior visual connection, blurring the boundary between built and natural environment. Vernacular Design By pairing an economic structure with an agrarian aesthetic, an affordable design solution emerged that respects the pastoral qualities of the town. Steel portal frames form a structure that coincides with a 25 foot classroom module, allowing the rhythm of the school to be determined by the learning spaces themselves. These frames carry through the entire length of the school creating an honest articulation of the structure whether looking into or looking from the building. Both interior and exterior materials were chosen for their long-term sustainability, innovative design potential, and cost effectiveness. White gyp board, for example, is not only used as a material for walls, but also to create framed panels that reflect indirect light along the corridors and within the library. By utilizing local and natural materials, the site resonates within the school even further, all while promoting a sustainable practice. Learning Environments The school is organized by grade level pods that group children in an age appropriate fashion. Primary circulation paths revolve around the centrally located library in order to provide direct access from each pod. Within each pod, pin-up and flex spaces have been allocated to encourage alternate learning environments. These promote both variety and fresh perspectives for teachers and students alike. Additionally, each flex area has access to the ample green space the site encompasses. Outdoor learning tools, such as graphics depicting fractions and a large Texas map marked with distances from Houston to major cities, give children the invaluable opportunity to both play and learn in their outdoor environment. |
Client Recognition |