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HORACE MANN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
Photography:
Art Gray Photography
John Edward Linden Photography
Jury
Comments: Although the use of concrete block was
found to be an appropriate choice of material for tying the
building to the neighborhood contextually, the jury was
impressed with how the concrete block walls had been
skillfully punctuated with an assortment of openings,
trellises, canopies and balconies to give this school a
unique identity. The material is not only durable, but its
texture, color and proportion all contribute to the learning
environment for the children.
This three-story 71,000 square-foot public school was
designed in tandem with a major redevelopment in the
downtown core of a growing city. In addition to facilities
for education, the school provides open recreation space and
a multi-purpose hall for community use. The Community
Redevelopment Agency called for a more substantial building
than the School District’s budget would provide.
Concrete masonry was therefore chosen as a durable,
affordable material to relate the school to its civic
context, while distinguishing it from its residential
neighbors. The burnished concrete masonry units provide a
tough, yet finely-textured base that is appropriate to an
elementary school.
The custom-colored concrete masonry units were chosen in neutral grey and warm ochre tones with carefully selected aggregates. Grouped in alternating rhythms, they provide richness and variety, while modulating the scale of the building elements. The academic wing uses both colors, in counterpoint to special pieces, such as the multipurpose room and stair tower, which are defined by one tone.
Within its grid of uniform dimensions, the field of concrete masonry units is punctuated with an array of openings, trellises, canopies, and balconies to give identity and highlight crucial elements. Large and small windows facilitate viewing by children, and are framed with bright colors that enhance the play of materials.
Concrete masonry becomes an important architectural and tactile learning tool for children. Standing next to the CMU, they can measure themselves, thus understanding how the structure is put together like Lego blocks.
EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT:
BFGC Architects Planners, Inc.
150
South First Street,
Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95113
David R. Cartnal, FAIA Principal-in-Charge
Rob
Hikido, AIA
Associate in Charge
Tanya
Guerrera
Project Team Member
DESIGN ARCHITECT:
Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners
933
Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
John Ruble, FAIA Design Principal
Buzz
Yudell, FAIA
Principal
James
Mary O’Connor
Sr. Associate
Adam
Padua
Project Manager
STRUCTURAL
ENGINEER:
Dasse Design
CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER:
Toeniskoetter & Breeding, Inc.
MASONRY
CONTRACTOR:
John Jackson Masonry
BLOCK
PRODUCER:
Air Vol Block Company
OWNER:
San Jose Unified School District
