J.H. House School

The Rockdale County School District set out to replace one of its oldest schools in one of the most underprivileged sections of the county. The goal was to provide a 21st-century school that would serve to reinforce the pedagogy of the district. As the superintendent at the time noted, “This won’t be your grandfather’s elementary school.”

The facility is a midcentury modern inspired school on a gently rolling, open, and naturally wooded site. The stunning setting influenced the decision to incorporate a palette of natural materials to complement the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Using glass in strategic areas introduces daylighting and visual transparency throughout. The heartbeat of the school is an open, centrally situated media center with a two-story wall of glass and a covered “back porch” overlooking an outdoor courtyard. An elevated pedestrian walkway with a viewing “crow’s nest” passes overhead and connects the classroom wings on the second floor. Large format graphics throughout assist in teaching, wayfinding, and nurturing school spirit. Finally, the incorporation of multiple collaborative breakout spaces provides learning opportunities outside conventional classroom settings.

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