Fred & Sara Machetanz Elementary School

Wasilla, AlaskaProject of Distinction

McCool Carlson Green Architects with BrainSpaces

2010 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Machetanz Elementary School

SITE PLAN

North

Situated in a subarctic environment winter days are extremely short (5.5 hours at solstice) and sun angles are low (7.5 degrees above the horizon at high noon of the winter solstice). The limited solar arc prompted a configuration where all classrooms face south, providing needed sun exposure for students during short winter days.

Environmental ContextPerched on a bluff overlooking the meandering Matanuska River and soaring Chugach Mountains, the property was donated by the developer for a school at the center of a newly created community. Vacant land will be gradually developed around the school designed to be a catalyst for the creation of community. A former gravel pit, the site was devoid of natural vegetation and slopes generally towards the north.

Outdoor ExperienceExperiential playgrounds feature a mixture of traditional and imagination driven features. Responding to a the agrarian economic base, themes reflect the proud farming culture of the region in the wild and rugged Alaskan landscape. Undulating hills are a particular favorite providing a wide variety of sledding venues for children of all ages. Bold color provides welcome contrast to the monochromatic winter landscape present 7 months of the year.

Extended LearningDesigned for multiple learning styles, each classroom can expand activities into adjacent hallways and community space. Visually connected, these common areas are easily supervised allowing for flexible use throughout the school day.

Heart & SoulDesigned for multiple activities and future program evolution, the lively community gathering area is the focus of the school. Steel armatures will support student created banners that waft in the breeze of the oversized yellow fan.

Carefully crafted color schemes create playful, varied and sophisticated environments providing welcome visual stimulation.

Transformable SpaceThe community gathering area is designed to be easily modified by school staff. Open, semi-enclosed and enclosed configurations support large group, small group, gallery, dining and other activities in a space that is flooded with natural light even on the shortest days of winter.

Engaged ClassroomsDesigned for multiple learning modalities, each classroom supports a variety of formal, informal and technology driven learning settings. They can also expand activities into adjacent hallways and community space.

VisioningRecognizing the limitations of their current ‘cells

& bells’ prototype, the School District charged to the Design Committee to create a 21st century elementary school prototype that incorporates the best current knowledge while anticipating future trends in technology and education. A series of workshops reviewed current national trends in education delivery and explored how those trends could be utilized to meet the current and long term needs of the Mat-Su Borough. Through interactive discussions with the Design Committee the following key educational trends were selected:

• Student-centered learning • Multi-sensory stimulation • Multimedia program delivery• Collaborative learning environment• Project based learning• Active/exploratory curriculum• Original Prototype• Authentic, real-world context

Old Prototype Plan

New Prototype Diagram

Learning SignatureFocused on the goals and aspirations of the project the design committee explored and evaluated multiple options ultimately moving towards diagrams that emphasize the school community as a whole. The learning signature, Center for the Creation of Community, goes beyond the notion of community asset and affirms the school as a catalyst for the development of healthy, vibrant neighborhoods: ‘This 21st Century school serves the community as a "Home Away From Home", providing an environment that promotes a strong sense of belonging for students, parents, partners, and staff. Transcending the notion that school is for students only, it warmly invites all community members to participate in its daily life. This genuine spirit of collaboration makes learning more meaningful, practical, and effective. Fostering a healthy and vital community, the school is a hub for celebration, recreation, and learning.’

FLOOR PLANS

North

Internally the school has communities ranging from small professional groups and grade level groups to intermediate/primary groupings. Focused around a light-filled community space, classrooms have direct access and connection to the heart of the school for formal/informal, small-group/large-group and individual learning activities.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

Submitting Firm : McCool Carlson Green ArchitectsProject Role ArchitectProject Contact Michael CarlsonTitle Principal ArchitectAddress 901 Photo AvenueCity, State or Province, Country Anchorage, Alaska, USAPhone 907/563-8474

Joint Partner Firm: BrainSpacesProject Role Educational PlannerProject Contact Amy YurkoTitle Educational PlannerAddressCity, State or Province, Country Chicago, IllinoisPhone 773/531-3221

Other Firm: Matanuska Susitna BoroughProject Role Project ManagementProject Contact Bob BechtoldTitle Project ManagerAddress 350 E. DaliaCity, State or Province, Country Palmer, Alaska, USAPhone 907/746-7417

Construction Firm:Project Role Collins ConstructionProject Contact Greg WaisanenTitle General ContractorAddress PO Box 87-1827City, State or Province, Country Wasilla AK 99654Phone (907) 376-8299

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details

Project Name  Sarah & Fred Machetanz Elementary

City  Wasilla

State  Alaska

District Name  Mat Su Borough School District

Supt/President  George Troxel

Occupancy Date  August 2009

Grades Housed  k-5

 

Capacity(Students)  470

Site Size (acres)   14.54

Gross Area (sq. ft.)   54,388 gsf

Per Occupant(pupil)   115.72

gross/net please indicate   1.4

 

Design and Build?  no

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development: 1,300,000

Building Construction:  12,000,000

Fixed Equipment:  786,000

Other:  2,900,000

 

Total:  17,000,000

Four WindsExceptionally strong winds focused by the the Matanuska Glacier Valley sweep across the site from the east. Playful wind screens buffer their impact at entryways and echo the vibrant color scheme themed around global wind patterns.

Classroom ConnectionsEach classroom is a flexible environment with storage and support around the perimeter. The instructional focus is a multimedia interactive learning center with projector and computer connections. Located on the east wall this key instructional area will not receive any direct sunlight during the day making it an ideal location for electronic displays. Built in window seats provide intimate spaces for students to work, read and dream. Storage is integrated into the window wall and cubby wall providing capacity for instructional materials and project supplies.

Security The welcoming entry serves as a transition chamber from building exterior to the main school allowing administrative staff to positively control all comings and goings. The angled entry vestibule creates eye contact between the receptionist and visitors naturally.

SupervisionCompared to the previous maze-like plan of connecting corridors this plan allows for easy supervision of the academic areas with minimal staff. From one point in the building a single staff member can monitor all 3 entry doors into the student areas.

SustainabilityThroughout the school various strategies are used to reduce the consumption of energy and improve the quality of the learning environment. Mechanical and electrical distribution rooms are centrally located in the compact 2 story plan reducing the cost of distribution networks and subsequent energy loss. Classrooms feature thoughtful daylighting that reduce dependence on electric lighting while improving student focus and teacher attitudes. A thermally efficient envelope with high performance glazing systems and passive natural ventilation complement each other eliminating the need for air conditioning systems. This LEED Silver project was the most northern LEED certified building in the nation at the time of its certification.