Little Cedars Elementary School

Snohomish, WashingtonElementary School

Project of Distinction – New ConstructionNAC|Architecture

2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Little Cedars Elementary School

The school and site reinforce shared use of facilitiesThe Snohomish community highly values the natural setting of the site and the ability to enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, the school is conceived as two distinct wings connected by two bridges spanning a terraced, natural courtyard. This results in indoor and outdoor spaces where the school and the larger community can experience nature in a variety of ways.

Approach and entrance into the activity wingThe two-story academic wing is more private while the activity wing contains the more active and communal spaces

Exploring learning modes in the terraced courtyardThe school’s goal was to create a physical environment that accommodates the variety of ways students learn through both indoor and outdoor spaces that are flexible, engaging, and spark curiosity and experimentation. For example, the outdoor amphitheatre can be used for a lecture style teaching arena, a student performance venue, a hands on outdoor learning area, or a place for informal social and physical learning and play.

Self-determined learning opportunities and discoveryThe dynamic experiences in and under the bridges and in the terraced courtyard lend themselves to individual experimentation and a multiplicity of uses by small and large groups alike.

Visual immersion in the natural environmentWith a clear view of Mt. Baker from the library and views to the surrounding forests throughout the school, nature is constantly present. These expansive views bring the outside in, allowing a constant connection to natural cycles. The forested edges of the site serve as quiet backdrops for the library and the small groups spaces adjacent to the classrooms.

Existing natural elements narrate original site storyThe memory of the previously forested site lives through the large groupings of tall firs and cedars, through salvaged stumps, logs, and boulders, and through native plantings.

Learning with natureThe project planning process identified key values such as maximizing the experience of the beautiful site and creating strong indoor-outdoor relationships that expand the various teaching spaces within the school.

Interconnection of exterior and interior spacesThe design constantly connects one with nature through views, transparent common spaces (such as the bridges and cafeteria), and in outdoor “rooms”.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

Submitting Firm : NAC | ArchitectureProject Role ArchitectProject Contact Matt RumbaughTitle Project ManagerAddress 2201 Sixth Ave. #1405City, State or Province, Country Seattle, WAPhone 206.441.4522

Joint Partner Firm:Project RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Other Firm:Project RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Construction Firm: Lydig ConstructionProject Role General ContractorProject Contact Hans HansenTitle Project ManagerAddress 12100 Northup WayCity, State or Province, Country Bellevue, WA 98005Phone 425.885.3314

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details

Project Name  Little Cedars Elementary School

City  Snohomish

State  Washington

District Name  Snohomish School District #201

Supt/President  Dr. Bill Mester

Occupancy Date  September 2007

Grades Housed  K - 6

 

Capacity(Students)  700 students

Site Size (acres) 11.4 acres

Gross Area (sq. ft.) 68,200 sq. ft.

Per Occupant(pupil) 97.4 sq. ft. per pupil

gross/net please indicate  

 

Design and Build?  No

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development:  $3,500,000

Building Construction:  $13,330,000

Fixed Equipment:  $135,000

Other:  $535,000

 

Total:  $17,500,000

The two wings take advantage of a steeply sloping site by locating one wing on an upper plateau and the other wing on a lower plateau, connecting them by bridges on the second floor. A mechanical basement room carved into the slope efficiently facilitates the displacement ventilation system that provides 100% fresh (not re-circulated) air at floor level to all classrooms. The exposed grilles of the displacement ventilation system in the classrooms allow the building itself to teach about environmental stewardship

Site section and opportunities for bringing the outdoors in

Exploring learning modes on the bridge

Terraced courtyard rewards exploration with variety