Galena Park ISD—Woodland Acres Elementary School
Architect: Smith & Company Architects & Pfluger Architects
This is a brand-new replacement facility for Woodland Acres Elementary School. This new 2-story 79,677sf facility houses up to 690 students and 70 members of staff. Internally it features 33 classrooms, 2 computer labs, a gym multipurpose room & cafeteria adjoined by a moving partition, and a high volume Learning Resource Center at the heart of the building. The site includes a new parking lot, off-street bus loop, and multiple play areas.
Design
A brand new facility located adjacent to the existing middle school. This project includes a two story 79,677sf building designed to house 700 students plus teachers and staff, along with two dedicated play areas, new parking, and off-street bus loop. The building is located east of the existing school and football field partially on an undeveloped area of the existing site with heavy vegetation. To accommodate the new parking lot the existing football field will be moved a short distance west.
Value
“Classrooms adjacent to extended Learning Space. High Volume Learning Center at the Heart of the Building. Positive Image for the Community. Safe | Secure Corridors. Flexible Classrooms. Places to Play. Food Court Style Cafeteria. Gym | Multi-purpose Room. Expansive Natural Light.”
Sustainability
“The school features natural light in all of it’s classrooms & labs. Flexible spaces, reducing the need for major renovations or additions. The exterior design evokes the name of the school to formulate a rustic | woodland lodge architectural style. The landscape design includes elements that reinforce the architect’s vision of creating a “woodland lodge” type experience & focuses on the use of materials that have a naturalized aesthetic and can serve multiple purposes beyond visual enhancement.”
Community
Collaborating with the Superintendent, senior curriculum staff, school board members, and community stakeholders; we created a 21st Learning Environment enriched with technology, collaborative learning spaces, and developing the design of an iconic façade, to symbolize its presence in the community.
Planning
“Approximately 80,000 SF replacement elementary school. Shares site with the existing middle school. Demolition of existing elementary school, new detention pond, track & field, parking. 2 Phases. Narrow site access road. 21st Century Learning Environment.”
School Transformation
Using 21st Century Design Principles, this school features flexible learning spaces. Natural light in all of its classrooms. A performance stage within its multipurpose room & cafeteria. The main entry is anchored by the primary reception & admin spaces & includes a security vestibule. For added security the school circulation is split in two corridors, one corridor student & staff oriented and the other corridor is also for students and staff but may also be frequented by visitors & parents.
Star of Distinction Category Winner