Olympia North Elementary School

Danvers, Illinois

Firm

BLDD Architects

Client

Olympai Community Unit School District #16

Area

48,500 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,002,500

Completion Date

08/2009

Olympia North Elementary School is a new 48,500-square-foot facility, developed through collaboration with administrators, teachers, the community, architects and designers. The design separates classrooms into three pod areas, all of which connect to the main corridor.

Sustainability was a key priority in the building design. The building incorporates natural light; operable, low-E windows; a geothermal heating system; water-saving plumbing fixtures; and an energy-efficient building shell. Motion-sensor-controlled lighting and master building heating and cooling control prevent energy waste during off-peak times.

The media center houses child-sized furnishing for young learners and a computer lab. The cafeteria commons enables maximum flexibility, acting as a cafeteria, community meeting space or classroom; it is equipped with audiovisual capabilities and durable materials. The use of color adds excitement and provides wayfinding throughout the school.

The original North Elementary School was a vital part of the community’s history, so the district requested elements from the old school be incorporated in the new. Therefore, a salvaged stone entryway and a limestone book were placed into the new school.

Additional Information

Cost per Sq Ft

$161.00

Featured in

2010 Educational Interiors

Interior category

Common Areas

Product suppliers specified

Carpet by J&J Commercial Carpet
Carpet by Lees
Flooring by Mannington
Flooring by Armstrong World Industries
Flooring by American Olean
Brick/Masonry by Glen-Gery
Ceilings by Armstrong World Industries
Ceramic Tile by American Olean
Door Hardware by Hager
Door Hardware by Pemko
Door Hardware by Schlage
Door Hardware by LCN Closers
Door Hardware by Von Duprin
Doors by Steelcraft
Doors by Marshfield Door Systems
Paint/Wallcoverings by Sherwin-Williams
Roofing by Carlisle SynTec
Windows by Kawneer
Lighting & Accessories by Peerlite
Lighting & Accessories by Elliptipar
Lighting & Accessories by HE Williams
Lighting & Accessories by Litecontrol
Library/Media Center Furniture by Buckstaff
Library/Media Center Furniture by Arcadia
Library/Media Center Furniture by AGATI Furniture
Kitchen Equipment by GE
Kitchen Equipment by Amana
Lockers by Republic Storage Systems
Door Hardware by ASSA ABLOY
Lighting & Accessories by Cooper Lighting
Lighting & Accessories by Prudential Lighting
Fire/Life-Safety Systems by
Fire/Life-Safety Systems by Larsen's
Cafeteria Furniture by Midwest Folding Products
Drinking Fountains by Elkay
Washroom Accessories by Bradley Corporation
Washroom Accessories by ASI Storage Solutions
Washroom Fixtures by Wade
Washroom Fixtures by Chicago Faucets
Washroom Fixtures by Kohler
Washroom Fixtures by Sloan Valve
Washroom/Shower Partitions by All American Metal Corp.
Clocks/Time Management by SimplexGrinnell
Kitchen Equipment by Frigidaire
Kitchen Equipment by Kenmore
Laundry Equipment by GE
Laundry Equipment by Frigidaire
Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by Claridge
Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by Smart Technologies
Signage by Nelson Harkins
Signage by Gemini
Doors by Cornell Iron Works
Paint/Wallcoverings by Kinetics Noise Control
Paint/Wallcoverings by Guilford of Maine
Cabinets by Stevens Industries
Lighting & Accessories by Kenall Lighting
Lighting & Accessories by Kurtzon Lighting
Load more

AS&U Design Competitions

The ultimate tribute to education design excellence. If selected for publication, this distinctive...

Have an exceptional project that deserves national recognition? Want to show your best work to the...