Bedford Elementary School (Bedford, Ky.)

Bedford, Kentucky

Firm

Scott/Klausing & Company, Inc.

Client

Trimble County Board of Education

Area

67,200 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$7,600,000

Completion Date

08/2003

Bedford Elementary is the district’s first new school in more than 30 years. Taking this into account, its design is economical, low-maintenance and flexible, and will maintain its attractiveness for many years.
The design needs were met by using brick, split-faced block and precast at exterior walls; sloped shingled roofing; and CMU and impact-resistant wallboard in the interior. The geothermal system’s air-handling units are in a mezzanine running above the corridors. The gymnasium and cafetorium can be secured for after-hours use. The raised stage between them can be closed off from either side or left open.
Pods of four classrooms per each grade level share common workrooms. Exposed bowed trusses at the main entry canopy are extended dramatically through the building’s lobby and terminate at a large cupola at a main intersection where the cafetorium, media center and entry lobby converge. The cupola brings natural light into the center of the building’s busiest area.
Many of the building’s design features are highlighted by creative use of artificial and natural lighting.