Plains Elementary
South Hadley, MA. | 2016
The design of Plains Elementary School embraces the unique learning needs of four to seven year old learners. The PreK - Grade1 school places variably-sized classrooms around flexible common spaces creating distinct classroom clusters, or “neighborhoods.” The plan of the school sets the classrooms behind a dramatic entry hall that foregrounds the more public spaces of the gymnasium, cafeteria, library and administration. A curving ribbon roof, supported by exposed glulam beams, ties the parts of the school together. Each of the neighborhoods overlooks wooded surroundings. Clerestory windows and large curtain walls bring light deep into the shared common spaces. Natural materials, warm colors and interpretive details reinforce the school’s relationship to the pine woodland.
Awards: 2016 WMAIA Design, Honor Award, 2016 Learning By Design, Outstanding Award
Area: 63,400 sf
Type: K12 Education
Certification: LEED Silver
First Floor Plan
Reading Support Classroom
Conceptual Site Plan
Commons Area
Gymnasium
