Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
Kirkland, Washington

This elementary school is set within a residential neighborhood interlaced with equestrian trails, horse paddocks, and mature stands of Douglas fir trees. The school’s 12-acre site even includes a large wooded area along its north side. Recognizing the value of this rich environment, the new building is designed to preserve and enhance the grove of trees as a site amenity and learning opportunity. It also strives to reinforce connection to the broader surroundings and achieve “green goals” for resource efficiency and sustainability.

The 56,000 SF building features three wings and two courtyards oriented to provide interior spaces with an abundance of natural light and ventilation, as well as visual connection with the wooded area. Small communities of learning are created by the organization of classrooms in groups of four around a multipurpose activity space. Shared resources, including a sci-art lab, computer room and music room, link the two-story classroom wings.

A commons opens onto the building circulation and provides an inviting “family room” for use by groups of students before, during and after school. Public spaces such as the library, gym, and administration are located near the entry to allow after-hours use by students and the community.

The courtyards, or outdoor learning areas, include native plants, integrated art installations, bio-filtration areas for stormwater management, and a water feature fed by rain collected from the roof. A variety of settings along the courtyards and in the forest allow classes to gather, observe and discuss.

> Bertschi School

 

Click to view site photos