Cypress Fairbanks ISD — Dr. Carla Brosnahan Elementary School
Architect: PBK
Dr. Carla Brosnahan Elementary School for the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District is a 1,092 Student Facility. This new elementary is along Clay Road, just West of Fry Road on a 16.74 acre site in Harris County, Texas. The main building is divided into sections, including a two-story classroom and a separate one-story administration wing. Each floor consists of core classrooms, science rooms, and supporting spaces. The classroom areas provide spaces for regularly occupied Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 through 5. Adjacent to the classroom wing is a one-story community area including the library and learning stair, art, music, one gymnasium, a cafeteria and kitchen. Additional site amenities include multiple aluminum walkway canopies, a 1/8-mile concrete walking track, a public park, paved concrete fire lane, multiple concrete parking lot areas, open grass playing areas, an art and science courtyard and includes utilities for up to eight (8) future portable buildings on site. Brosnahan Elementary will be designed for CHPS “Verified Building”. The school will comply with design guidelines set forth by the 2015 criteria for Texas Collaborative for High Performance Schools.
Design
“-Layered safety features are seamlessly integrated into the overall campus while still retaining an open and inviting environment
-Curriculum-based learning is supported through a sustainable, healthy environment designed to equitably serve all students and teachers
-Learning tools include a science garden with rain cistern, exposed lab ceilings, and educational viewing windows
-Classroom pods function as self-contained learning communities, each with secure entry points, collaboration zones and teacher workrooms
-Flexible spaces and outdoor learning areas support diverse instructional styles and extends learning beyond the classroom”
Value
“-Classroom pods function as self-contained and adaptable learning communities, each including restrooms, collaboration areas, teacher workrooms, and flexible classrooms
-Glass partitions open for adaptable group learning while maintaining visibility from the classrooms
-Secure pod entries with impact-resistant glass balance safety and visibility
-Shared stage between music and cafeteria allows for multifunctional use
-Durable materials: terrazzo flooring and rigid wall protection for longevity
-Color-coded systems (HVAC, electrical, water, and data) transform building infrastructure into a vibrant, hands-on educational tool for students
– Design reflects a commitment to inclusive learning, long-term performance, and a campus culture centered on safety, collaboration, and educational excellence.”
Wellness
“Natural daylight and outdoor views in all classrooms and hallways support mental wellness and focus
Flexible furniture in classrooms, the library, and collaboration zones encourages movement and user control over space
Sensory learning is activated throughout the campus as students engage with geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and natural daylight filtering through colored glass—creating moments of curiosity, connection, and visual exploration
The overall campus layout promotes direct connections to the outdoors while maintaining security from public access
Each classroom pod is self-contained and designed for enhanced safety, with dedicated student and teacher restrooms, collaboration spaces featuring clerestory daylighting, and flexible furniture for breakout learning
Modular design ensures equity across all pods, providing consistent resources and opportunities for both students and teachers”
Community
“The campus serves as an inclusive community hub featuring walkable paths and public playgrounds, self sustained areas available for community use, and cultural expression, reinforcing its role as a vibrant neighborhood asset.
Campus orientation and layout reinforces the school’s role as a shared community asset while supporting outdoor activity, safety, and a strong sense of place-making
Community partnerships enrich the campus experience through hands-on learning opportunities and multiuse gathering spaces that foster lasting connections between the school and its surrounding community.
Classroom pods function as micro-communities with shared amenities that foster inclusion and sense of “home”.”
Planning
“Strategic building placement shields playgrounds from public view while maintaining an open-campus feel
Layered security features include perimeter fencing, impact-resistant glass, secure vestibule, lockdown systems, and self-contained classroom pods
Vibrant design elements— including bold colors, playful geometric shapes, and colored glass – create an inviting, joyful learning atmosphere
Future-ready classroom layout supports flexible grade-level shifts within pods, accommodating enrollment changes and promoting grade-level fluidity”
School Transformation
“Balanced security and welcoming design foster an environment that is safe, inclusive, and equitable for both students and teachers
Adaptable classroom design supports future enrollment changes by allowing spaces to shift between grade levels as needed, promoting grade-level fluidity
Operable partitions are integrated throughout the campus to maximize both space and flexibility, allowing environments to adapt seamlessly to a variety of learning activities and group sizes.
Three outdoor classrooms are located just outside the classroom pods, offering immediate access to nature-rich learning environments that support hands-on exploration, movement, and flexible instruction.”
Star of Distinction Category Winner