Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School

Kirkland, Washington

Firm

DLR Group

Client

Lake Washington School District

Area

65,306 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$20,000,000

Completion Date

09/2013

A.G. Bell Elementary had an existing forest and wetland, significant slopes and a sprawling campus, so replacing the school posed challenging natural and built constraints. DLR Group’s design restores the fractured site by integrating its unique qualities in a school that meets educational goals, sustainably reduces the cost of ownership and reinforces community connections. Featuring roof canopies and staggered elevations, the building complements nearby vegetation and maximizes daylight through sun shades, light-diffusing glass and deliberate orientation. To leave the surrounding forest intact, the plan required diligent phasing of the occupied site and integration of walking paths to adjacent neighborhoods. Based on two primary circulation axes, A.G. Bell Elementary offers ease of circulation and equal access to shared learning spaces. The new design pays homage to the former school through the reuse of salvaged cedar wood covering the library (seen prominently from the entryway and lobby). With a clear, welcoming entry and adequate space for community and school use, A.G. Bell Elementary is now enabled to serve both its students and community.

Additional Information

Cost per Sq Ft

$306.00

Citation

Silver Citation

Featured in

2015 Educational Interiors Showcase

Interior category

Common Areas

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Product suppliers specified

Carpet by Interface

Flooring by nora systems, Inc.

Door Hardware by Allegion

Insulation by BASF

Insulation by Knauf Insulation

Movable Partitions/Walls by Nana Wall Systems

Paint/Wallcoverings by Rodda Paint

Skylights by Sun Optics

Windows by Pacific Architectural Millwork

Windows by Guardian

Fire/Life-Safety Systems by Honeywell

Locks by Medeco

Security Systems by Delta Controls

Card Systems by Delta Controls

Drinking Fountains by Elkay

Hand-Drying Equipment by Georgia-Pacific

Washroom Accessories by Gamco

Physical-Education Flooring by Mondo USA

Carpet by Lees

Cabinets by Genothen

Ceilings by CertainTeed

Ceilings by Chicago Metallic

Ceramic Tile by Dal-Tile

Door Hardware by ASSA ABLOY

Doors by VT Industries

Elevators by ThyssenKrupp Access

Roofing by Sarnafil

Doors by Pacific Architectural Millwork

Lighting & Accessories by Finelite

Lighting & Accessories by Prudential Lighting

Emergency Lighting by Signtex

Washroom Fixtures by Kohler

Washroom Fixtures by Chicago Faucets

Washroom/Shower Partitions by Bobrick

Athletic Equipment by Porter Athletic Equipment

Communications Systems by Lowell

Clocks/Time Management by Rauland-Borg

HVAC Units by Innovent

HVAC Control Devices by Delta Controls

IAQ Devices by Delta Controls

Draperies/Blinds by Iris US

Kitchen Equipment by Metro

Kitchen Equipment by Advanced Tabco

Laundry Equipment by Frigidaire

Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by Platinum Visual Systems

Signage by ASE Inc.

Chris J.Roberts Photography

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