Culverdale Elementary School is a fine example of the classic 1970s geometric design style, which was a continuation of the styles created by such architects as Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The campus is a fun experimentation of wonderful postmodern lines and shapes. The new facility we proposed reflects this style while gracefully moving the architecture forward.

During our pre-proposal walk, it became apparent that the campus needed a new face. The administration building was difficult to locate and relatively plain. StudioWC suggested a small addition adjacent to the existing MPR to significantly improve the administration accessibility, connection to the parking lot, and a new campus entrance. This small addition serves as the tie between the existing architecture and the new centrally located MPR Building.

In addition to the new administration addition, StudioWC reconfigured the existing admin area to accommodate a Learning Center. The relationship to the library follows the District’s master plan and is similar to the projects at Meadow Park and Brywood.

The existing offices were converted into a Learning Center Commons, counseling office, speech, and guidance. The new central location serves the student body in a much greater capacity.

The new MPR addition, provides a cohesive feel to the site. A folding glass wall provides excellent indoor/outdoor access for experiments and projects. The orientation towards the site’s open grassy area also gives a connection to the community. This approximately 5,500 SF building features a large multi-purpose area, stage, ample storage space, a control room, student and staff restrooms, and utility rooms.

The new Food Service building, located at the existing Innovation Lab portable building, has proximity to both the main building and lunch area and takes advantage of the current vehicular access. The building includes 600 SF of kitchen and serving space and two student restrooms replacing the portable toilet building.