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Solana Pacific Elementary School
San Diego, California
Photography:
David Fennema, HMC Architects,
Hewitt Garrison Photography,
Durant Photography
This elementary school is located in the “town center” of Carmel Valley. It is an important place for learning, play, and community because of the close proximity of the Carmel Valley Public Library, Recreational Center, Middle School, and Shopping Center. The District’s mission statement, “To provide a child-centered education…using the unique vision and resources of home, school and community to ensure a(n)…environment…developing children who are confident, competent and creative learners,” was our inspiration.
The “pyro-therm” concrete masonry used throughout the school provided both enhanced aesthetics and added resilience. The block was used for its durability, lightweight quality (for minimal weight added to the frame), and ease of maintenance and cleaning. The block also added contrast and counterpoint to the stucco finish, which help ground the building. The masonry is located at the classroom patios and stair exists as way-finding.
All second floor classrooms, resource areas and kindergarten classrooms have clerestories that allow daylight to replace fluorescent lighting. The clerestory windows are operable to help dissipate heat build-up and promote fresh air circulation.
The campus was designed to enhance the overall learning experience and enjoyment of its students. The playground equipment at the school could easily pass for contemporary abstract sculptures. The unique-shaped, moveable and interactive equipment was actually selected by the elementary school students through collaborative student task force meetings. The exploratory playground areas provide a unique experience with the combination of kinetic and balancing equipment that are both health-promoting and interesting to the students.
Architect:
HMC Architects
1010 Second Avenue
Studio 810, West Tower
San Diego, CA 92101
Katherine I. Lord,
AIA
Managing Principal
Randal L. Peterson,
FAIA
Bernard “Ski” Kruczynski
Daniel Dubrow
Design Team
Structural
Engineer:
Stedman & Dyson
General
Contractor:
Douglas E. Barnhart
Masonry
Contractor:
Dittmann Masonry, Inc.
Block Producer:
RCP Block & Brick, Inc.
Owner:
Solana Beach School District
