Cannon STEM Elementary School, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

Grapevine, Texas

Firm

Huckabee

Client

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

Area

104,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$26,303,473

Completion Date

10/2018

Grant Van Hoose, Huckabee

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Cannon STEM Elementary School is designed for STEM and project-based learning. Aesthetics pull from secondary education facilities while maintaining age appropriateness. Learning extends beyond the classroom into small “commons” within classroom wings, STEM labs and maker spaces, breakout nooks within corridors, and the large multipurpose learning commons. Within these spaces, everything moves, creating an environment that is interactive, technology-driven and fun for young learners.

This building has a strong connection to nature that influences its design and reinforces its STEM curriculum. The color palette features earthy, muted colors. Wood elements enhance space in the commons and corridors. Hexagons (honeycombs) were used in the design as representations of a shape that organically occurs in nature. An outdoor garden, patios and playscapes invite learning and play. Uniquely, the cafeteria opens into a small outdoor amphitheater that is used for instruction and community assembly.

The team capitalized on all available space by designing reading nooks and “caves” in unexpected places. The cozy, breakaway spaces create quiet places that students can use as a retreat when they need to work in a more private space. All spaces serve a variety of needs.