Date Completed
2008
Size
79,320 SF

Southeast Polk Clay Elementary School

Altoona, IA

The Clay Elementary design is based on a central circulation point - the Rotunda. This concept allows students and faculty easy access and easy navigation through the structure. The main north/south corridor stretches uninterrupted the entire length of the building, while the remainder of the corridors are clearly visible. A 15’ diameter translucent skylight floods the Rotunda with diffuse natural light. Classrooms, offices and corridors use occupancy sensors for lighting. Beneath the north parking lot are 160 geothermal well loops, each 200’ deep that are tied to multiple heat pumps throughout the building allowing users individual control of their environment. Both the media center and art rooms have automatic dimming controls which sense the amount of natural daylight and reduce the energy demands accordingly.