Seth Whitman Elementary School

This rural-based community is experiencing rapid growth and needed a long-term solution for its elementary education needs. Requirements included addressing the needs of young learners, designing a high-performance facility and incorporating the community in facility use.
Intimacy of the school’s spaces addresses the needs of the small learner. Six grade-level houses minimize the building’s scale. Educational spaces include an art room, a music room, flexible team-learning areas, a two-station gymnasium and a cafeteria with a student performance area. The layout is compact and efficient, and provides natural light throughout.
Two separate playgrounds, two soccer-sized play fields and a softball field were designed for student and community use.
The building is constructed of durable, easily maintained and energy-efficient materials. An entry security feature guides visitors through the administration office.
The new elementary school is on a site that includes an existing middle school and a new high school. This arrangement makes efficient use of play areas, drainage, parking areas and transportation loops.

“Innovative plan. Good use of hallway breakout areas.”–2007 AP jury

Additional Information

Other projects from this professional

Momentum: Minnetonka Design and Skilled Trades

ATSR designed an addition for Momentum: Minnetonka Design and Skilled Trades. The...

Cathedral High School STEAM Addition

Design Team Dean S. Beeninga, Peter Lacey, Kara Rise, Blayne Parkos, Nick Achina A...

Cathedral High School Addition and Renovations

ATSR created a STEAM addition for an existing urban campus. The addition...

North Branch District Education Center

The kindergarten addition and Early Childhood Learning renovation at the North Branch...

Load more