This project is part of the Kennett Consolidated School District’s ambitious goal to modernize its elementary school facilities to support 21st Century Learning. The new 105,000 square foot school will replace the existing New Garden Elementary School on the same site. The focal point of the school is the Media Center, located adjacent to the main entrance; the design of the Media Center contrasts stone and glass materials; the stone echoes the agricultural and historic structures of the area and glass reflects the modern 21st Century school facility, thus harmonizing the old with the new. At night the glass volume of the Media Center can be lit up acting as a beacon.
The school is organized into two wings. The public wing includes the main entrance, administration space, media center, gymnasium, cafeteria, and related arts rooms. The academic wing includes the classrooms and flexible support spaces across two floors. Responding to the gentle slope of the site, the academic wing steps down from the public wing and is connected by two sets of ramps, providing a unique and accessible circulation experience.
The design of the school emphasizes the connection between outside and inside. This is achieved through the use of canopies at both the main entrance and the cafeteria creating outdoor spaces for use by the students, glass enclosed ramps allow students to pass between the schools two wings, and an outdoor learning space occupies the secured courtyard between the two wings of the school.
