Hall-Dale Elementary School

Hallowell, Maine

Firm

Oak Point Associates

Client

Hall-Dale School Department

Area

57,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,100,000

Hall-Dale Elementary School is integrated with the sloped site by varying first-floor levels. Gradual sloping ramps between levels create separation of the public entry and private classrooms. Care was taken to incorporate a balance of natural light and shading for south-facing classrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows were placed at the ends of corridors to provide a connection to the outdoors.
The program includes classrooms, a special-education room, art and music rooms, a computer lab, centralized library, offices, a gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, playgrounds and athletic facilities. A classroom in each grade level was wired for interactive whiteboards, and all other classrooms were provided with the infrastructure for future technology.
The site plan separates bus, private vehicle and pedestrian circulation safely. The arrangement of classrooms and public space within the building allowed separation of the playground for kindergarten from grades 1 to 5.
As one of Maine’s high-performance schools, the facility has an energy-efficient design throughout. Energy-recovery units, radiant heating and occupancy sensors increase the building’s performance by reducing energy consumption.