Daffodil Valley Elementary School

Sumner, Washington

Firm

Erickson McGovern Architects

Client

Sumner School District No. 320

Area

48,035 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$7,078,084

Completion Date

09/1999

Daffodil Valley Elementary School was designed as a small-town environment, which is reflective of its community. But it challenges the traditional classroom setup by providing more classroom variety and maximizing usable area.
The school includes individualized neighborhoods of classrooms, linked by a main-street corridor. Within each neighborhood are six “Fat L” classrooms surrounding a shared commons area. The commons area creates an open gathering place for the neighborhood.
The school consists of three neighborhoods, along with teacher project areas, administration, library, gymnasium and specialty classrooms.
“Fat L” classrooms include the same square footage as traditional classrooms, but have more usable area for display of student work. They also allow for smaller group instruction and teacher supervision. Retractable doors between classrooms enable sharing of activities with larger groups.
The building is wood-framed with masonry veneer and has an asphalt shingled roof. A four-pipe hydronic system provides heating and cooling.

“Great interior spaces for students—simple, yet inviting. Great arrangement of spaces and proximity for activities.”—Architectural Portfolio 2000 jury

Photographers: ©Jeff Schroeder