Annehurst Elementary School

Inspired by a “treehouse” theme chosen by local students, the architects transformed a traditional 1960s school building into an immersive learning environment seamlessly integrated with the school’s natural park surroundings. The building now provides windows, full-height walls between classrooms, and breakout learning areas at each grade band. All learning areas also feature modern amenities such as touchscreen televisions and enhanced audio systems.

The theme is woven throughout the school with a focus on the media center as the central hub. Suspended green and wood clouds, along with pops of yellow furniture, emulate sunlight filtering through a forest canopy. A serene reading nook features illuminated panels depicting flowing streams in a dense forest.

“The Treehouse” resides in the corridor connecting the original building to the addition. This playful structure includes a spiral staircase leading to a mezzanine platform. Students ascend through suspended ceiling clouds, arriving at a panoramic window offering breathtaking park views. The treehouse fosters imagination, exploration, and play.

The completed project is a school that celebrates nature, encourages curiosity, and fosters connections across subjects. It provides students with a nurturing environment to discover, grow, and embark on their individual paths of learning.

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