Washington Elementary School is a 500 student K-6 school known for its dual immersion English-Spanish curriculum. Interactive Resources was the architect and structural engineer-of-record for the modernization of this 60 year old school, including the addition of a new cafeteria, a 4,800 sf kindergarten and a 8,200 sf administration building. Modernization measures encompassed a full interior remodel; new energy efficient mechanical, electrical and telecommunications systems; new accessible restrooms and new landscaping and play yards, as well as a kitchen addition adjacent to the renovated multipurpose room.
The auditorium was remodeled as a multipurpose building capable for use as a functioning cafeteria and meeting place. The project also included design of a new library and courtyard, a new kinder/pre-school facility and play yard, and landscaping improvements throughout the site.
We selected new site furnishings, seat walls, planters, and colorful striping to create vibrant play yards. Sustainable design measures included landscape design to reduce heat island effect by minimizing paved areas, planting drought-tolerant native species around perimeter of all buildings, and a “Landscapes for Learning” environment on campus, promoting resource conservation, ecology and green space. Clerestory windows and skylights for daylight maximization were installed, as well as new energy-efficient lighting and mechanical units.