Timber Ridge Elementary School Addition

Johnston, IA

All projects
Front entrance at dusk
Overall Front Exterior
Front Entrance Detail
Central corridor circulation
Media Center showing window detail
Exterior rear side view

The challenging site for this elementary school provided an opportunity to take advantage of the natural slope and wooded views through the building design. The school is organized around a wedge shaped central atrium. Parallel two-story classroom wings are situated to one side of the atrium with arts and athletics opposite, all of which cascade down the hillside through a series of interconnected ramps and stairs.

The original building was designed by frk with future expansion in mind allowing the new addition to occur without disruption of classes.  Design language and materials of the existing building were carried through into the additions to blend seamlessly with the original structure. An expanded geothermal well field efficiently handles the heating and cooling needs of the school for years to come.

Design Insight

Careful integration of building and site provided an economical yet innovative solution to a difficult site.