AIAGE Merit 2007

Norris Elementary School

Norris Elementary School was designed to replace the original elementary school to accommodate the growing middle school. The emergence of a design theme celebrating local ties to the agricultural industry with an allegorical farm setting complete with barn and pasture imagery including campus buildings branded with names of locally grown crops became a driving force as planning progressed. Reinforcing this theme in elevation is the design of a simple barn with exposed structure and a welcoming ceremonial pasture set at the school’s entry intended for future educational opportunities for students to plant and tend to orchards or row crops.

The kindergarten play area is situated on the campus interior and adjacent to the administration building for security, supervision, and reinforcement of the team approach to education. The educational performance of students in the classroom is enhanced through the use of abundant natural light via six 2×2 solar tube-type skylights, which incorporate a diffused lens-reducing glare while creating uniform natural light. This is coupled with energy-efficient indirect lighting by an automatic dimming feature. To optimize the use of the computer projector and screen, two of the skylights have dampers to close at the front of the classroom.

Sustainability Considerations

Classroom day lighting, building orientation, exceeds Title 24, linoleum flooring, onsite water retention, storm water retention

Sustainability Considerations

Classroom day lighting, building orientation, exceeds Title 24, linoleum flooring, onsite water retention, storm water retention