Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Project Synopsis

Nestled against a beautiful bluff in the midst of an urban residential area, the existing Lincoln Middle School housed grades 5-8 since its completion in 1993. While the original building was planned for eastward expansion, subsequent construction of a football field and running track at the adjacent high school presented a significant planning challenge to the project.

The resulting diagram of the building responds to both site and program requirements with a two-story nor th addition housing grades 1-4 running along the proper ty line and a one-story expansion to the east housing kindergar ten classrooms. A common area of shared resources including a cafeteria and media center occupies the area in between the two new classroom additions.

While the bulk of the building is situated at a 45 degree angle to true nor th, this common volume situates due nor th, taking advantage of views toward the east bluff. This also facilitated a clear circulation path from the main entry to the primary gathering spaces, allowing the addition, while situated behind the building, to have a presence at the front door.

The design of the new addition focuses on the building opening up to the east bluff providing daylight, views, and energetic spaces for students to learn and interact. Exterior materials were selected to harmonize with the existing building, while uniquely expressing the addition and representing a new mindset for modern learning environments.

Client: Peoria Public Building Commission / Peoria Public School District #150Location: Peoria, ILProject Area: 74,600 sfProject Cost: $15,703,111Completed: March 2013

Sustainable Design Integration Synopsis

Because of proven physical, psychological, and environmental benefits, the design of Lincoln K-8 is focused on ensuring that nature plays a much greater part in the future of education for Lincoln students. Abundant natural light now penetrates into the learning environments through larger classroom windows, a central courtyard, and other common areas.

The sawtooth roof over the cafeteria and media center is oriented north to allow indirect daylight to flood deep into the interior of the building. East and west windows are narrower with integrated shades to protect against heat gain, while larger expanses of north glass allow a pleasant diffused light to fill the spaces. High efficiency fixtures controlled with occupancy and daylight sensors reduce the amount of energy used on lighting.

A large geothermal well field to the north of the building is the most significant sustainable system strategy employed in the building, while small heat pump rooms distributed throughout the building minimize duct sizes and increase the efficiency of air distribution. Operable windows in the classrooms give opportunity for fresh air and passive cooling in the spring and fall. South facing glass at locations like the kindergarten entry and the courtyard are protected from direct sun by canopy structures.

Rather than a traditional collection of playground equipment, the unique quality of the east bluff was harnessed to create a terraced, natural play area with obstacles, tunnels, berms, and places for group activity and outdoor learning.

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Existing Site Plan

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Existing Conditions

Driven by site constraints and a unique bluff to the nor th, the sawtooth roof over the cafeteria and media center became an iconic element of the new addition.

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8 1

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Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Uniquely situated against a bluff in an urban setting, the form of the building brings abundant nor th daylight and views of nature deep into the building.

A por tion of the media center engages the sawtooth roof creating a dynamic reading space and great natural lighting for browsing resources.

The sawtooth form of the cafeteria and media center allows nor th daylight to flood into the interior of the space and creates a dynamic aesthetic contrast with the rest of the building.

The monumental stair links both levels of the building together at the central hub of the building, engaging the existing building, the new nor th classroom wing, cafeteria, library and central cour tyard.

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

With the addition of 25 classrooms, as well as a new cafeteria, media center, and other suppor t spaces, this addition transforms the crowded Lincoln Middle School into a fully-featured K-8 facility.

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

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At the south end of the kindergar ten classrooms is their own entry.

Each new classroom has more daylight with bench seating located under the windows for student reading space

This addition introduces a bold new aesthetic to a community building just nor th of the urban core.

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Main Entry

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Site Plan

(A) Existing Housing

(B) Existing Middle School

(C) Existing Plaza

(D) Existing Track and Field

(E) K-4 Addition

(F) Cour tyard

(G) Playground

(H) Existing Parking

(I) New Bus Loop

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(D)

(E)

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Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Peoria Public Schools District 150 | Peoria, Illinois

ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO LINCOLN K-8

Concept Section