The original circular bays and structural columns informed the main circulation, while the additional program area expanded beyond the footprint through a series of narrow additions.

Terraset Elementary School was brought up to date with educational and building standards while increasing demands in capacity through a series of complex renovations and additions.

Before: The original building was conceived as an energy conservative building utilizing an “earth-cover” roof and a distinctive solar panel array above the entry courtyard.

After: Two bridges were replaced with a single central pedestrian bridge covered by a canopy, reminiscent of the original solar panel array.

As originally conceived, children are still dropped off and picked up from a lower bus loop while the upper level kiss-and-ride is accessible via the new bridge.

Before the renovation, there was no direct connection to a front entrance, which was resolved by creating a central pedestrian bridge leading to a descending two-story lobby.

The pedestrian bridge leads a two-story entry pavilion with access to the administrative offices.

The original cafeteria was expanded and renovated with natural light drawn in through a new glass addition on the north and east sides.

Before: The four circular learning pods were organized around the original sunken central sky-lit library with glass partitions to allow natural light into the classrooms.

After: The original central library was transformed into a light-filled activity space with roof access.

What was previously a function of heating and cooling, the green roof is now utilized for recreation and education, allowing for activities like planting flowers and studying butterflies.

Natural light is accessed by staggering the glass-cornered classrooms from a windowed resource area towards the center of the building.

The new portions of the school include an administrative addition to the front entrance, a new library, classrooms, and a fine arts addition.