The new 850 student Carver Elementary School replaces two separate academic buildings that lacked a distinct organizational concept with a design that maintains a small-school feel and meets each student’s individual learning needs. To support the community’s educational philosophy which keeps grade levels clustered together, grades PK-2 are housed on the first floor in three academic wings, and grades 3-5 are housed on the second floor.
The “E-shaped” building is connected by a vibrant central circulation spine – a learning commons that links each academic wing. Designed to accommodate the school’s Response to Intervention program, the spine contains small group rooms which are used throughout the day to teach specific skills, as well as teacher workspaces, support areas, story nooks, whole grade gathering areas, and public core spaces. Between each academic wing and the spine are project areas with flexible space that can be used for collaborative, hands-on projects by each grade level.
Targeted to meet NE-CHPS standards, the high-performance design includes outdoor learning spaces, flooring made from natural materials, an air quality system that utilizes tempered air as an alternative to air conditioning, triple-glazed windows and an extensive storm water infiltration design.