Carpenters Elementary School

Blount County, Tennessee

Firm

A2H

Client

Blount County Schools

Area

105,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$11,200,000

Completion Date

08/2006

Initially serving 650 elementary students, Carpenters Elementary is master-planned to accommodate another student wing, expanding student capacity to 800.
Protecting the site’s wetlands dictated a linear development plan. A spine-like corridor serves music, fine arts, a media center, cafeteria and computer technology. The school’s office is situated strategically at the heart of the central commons, visually connecting the spine, building entry and exterior commons. The length of each classroom wing incorporates colorful display areas and benches that animate the corridor with student work and current events of each classroom suite. The linear exterior commons offers a secure and convenient outdoor classroom setting, and patterned brick slides through exterior glazing, extending the relationship between inside and out.
Restrictive funding required creative use of simple materials and prefabricated metal building technology. A patterned block wall boldly announces the linear design and creates a portal for the school, welcoming students and the community. Linear planning and bold form come alive with layered rich colors in common areas that offer playful invitation to discovery and interchange.