Glencairn Elementary School

East Lansing, Michigan

Firm

GMB Architecture + Engineering

Client

East Lansing Public Schools

Area

50,762 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$11,200,000

Completion Date

08/2019

GMB Architecture + Engineering

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Design Team: Jeff Hoag, AIA, LEED AP (K-12 Practice Lead); Alex Stuckey, AIA (Project Designer); Andrew Howard, A.AIA (Project Architect); Alissa Ditta, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C (Interior Designer); Nate Bosch, LLA, LEED AP (Landscape Architect); Nate Van Heukelum, PE (Mechanical Engineer)

The school district’s vision for the new Glencairn Elementary was to create environments where 21st-century learning could take place. Another priority was to create spaces where the students enjoyed learning and the staff enjoyed teaching. This was achieved in part through visual and physical connections to outdoors.

In keeping with a neighborhood school model, pedestrian and bike safety was paramount. Vehicular traffic was carefully coordinated to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The design also elevated security by creating a clear and open entrance that enables the school to control who enters the building.

Sustainability initiatives were achieved through planning for district growth, organizing the building and site to take advantage of the climate, and using geothermal heating and cooling. The design also positioned the district for the future use of solar panels.

Architecturally, the school is designed to fit into the neighborhood. Taking cues from the surrounding context, the building features sloping roofs that fit in well with the existing residential character and reflect the unique programming within.