Culverdale Elementary School is a prime example of the classic 1970s geometric design style, influenced by architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The campus showcases a playful experimentation with postmodern lines and shapes. Our proposed new facility honors this style while advancing the architecture.

During our pre-proposal walk, it became clear that the campus needed a fresh look. The administration building was hard to find and quite plain. StudioWC suggested a small addition next to the existing MPR to significantly improve administration accessibility, connection to the parking lot, and create a new campus entrance. This addition bridges the existing architecture with the new centrally located MPR Building.

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

The existing offices were transformed into a Learning Center Commons, counseling office, speech, and guidance areas. The new central location better serves the student body.

The new MPR addition provides a cohesive feel to the site. A folding glass wall offers excellent indoor/outdoor access for experiments and projects. Its orientation towards the site’s open grassy area also connects it to the community. This approximately 6,263 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 site of the existing Innovation Lab portable building, is conveniently close to both the main building and lunch area, utilizing the current vehicular access. The building includes 600 SF of kitchen and serving space and two student restrooms, replacing the portable toilet building.

Overall, the project includes 6,263 SF of new construction for the MPR, 2,955 SF of renovation for student services, and 8,640 SF of reconfiguration/new construction for portable classrooms.