New Dressel Elementary is a K-5th grade school constructed to supplant the 1950s era Dressel School. The existing school was in disrepair, underutilized the site, and could no longer programmatically support student and administrative needs. Construction occurred on the same site but had to be coordinated such that the existing school could continue to be utilized.
The new school is a two-story, structural steel and load-bearing CMU building. The exterior is composed of traditional red brick veneer, metallic insulated metal panels, and aluminum storefront. The simplicity of the exterior palette intentionally emphasizes the strong geometric building forms and interwoven site features, while uniformly tying the building elements together visually.
The exterior program utilizes the entirety of the site, creating unique design opportunities from the challenging nature of the site. Relatively steep (dropping 50’ from one side to the other), previously occupied by a very low-slung building, it was necessary to settle the building into the grade to be a good neighbor to adjacent residences. This “settling in” creates a visually low profile and an opportunity for centrally located, engineered storm shelters to provide safe refuge for all building occupants while minimizing the travel distance from each corner of the building. In addition, a uniquely designed playground also embraces the grade through built-in-grade slides, climbing hills and slopes, and tiered play zones – all of which are accessible.
The interior environment is intended to evoke a higher education atmosphere through high-design, highly durable materials, smart application of lighting, and organization of separate public and private zones. Grade levels are designed into traditional pods in separate wings. Classroom spaces within the pods have carpeting, built-in cubby storage, ample daylight, and they share an adaptable, collaborative STEM education space. Careful attention was given to exterior views along the entire walking length of the building. A series of courtyards, defined by the grade-level-based wings, and a single-loaded connecting corridor provide nearly uninterrupted views to landscaping and the rain gardens that occupy these courtyards. The grade level wings are capable of being isolated from the remainder of the building in the event of an intruder gaining access to the building, allowing students to shelter in place safely while waiting for a security response. Coupled with the security film on windows, a secure vestibule, and limited access-controlled entry/exits, the building helps to ensure the safety of all occupants.