BLRB Architects’ Helen Keller Elementary School for the Lake Washington School District in Kirkland, WWashington was recently awarded the prestigious William W. Caudill Citation award as the top project in American School & University Magazine’s 2013 Architectural Portfolio.
The 56,000 square-foot elementary school was recognized for its “great integration of concept into the overall plan.” The jury also noted the school’s small learning communities and how they benefit learning.
Helen Keller Elementary opened to students in September 2012. Keller’s design reflects a comprehensive, state-of-the-art elementary school that supports personalized instruction and community building among students and teachers. Windows, skylights and lightwells ensure that interior spaces are filled with natural light, ensuring a pleasant, inspiring and sustainable learning atmosphere.
The school is organized around four small learning settings, organized by grade level, that facilitate individualized attention and enhance student-teacher relationships. Each learning setting has a unique character and is identified through the use of color, signage and raised tactile braille which identifies Keller’s four guiding principles: respect, growth, integrity and perseverance.
American School & University Magazine’s 2013 Architectural Portfolio will be available in November and at www.asumag.com/awards
BLRB Architects was recently selected by the Crook County School District to design their new elementary school after their school bond was passed by local voters in May 2013. The new elementary school will replace Crooked River Elementary and Ochoco Elementary, and will be the first new primary school construction for the District in over 50 years.
