Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD — Austin Elementary School
Architect: VLK
“Designed to honor the past while embracing the future, this learning environment for young children supports their development, builds community connections, and sparks joyful, curiosity-driven learning every day. A reclaimed stone arch from the original school welcomes students into a bright, nurturing environment designed around their unique needs.
A single-level layout, intuitive wayfinding, and short walking distances promote safety and independence, while playful graphics and distinct colors in each pod build a sense of belonging. Three secure outdoor courtyards with soft turf, a covered play area, and developmentally aligned elements encourage movement and exploration.
A shaded library patio doubles as an outdoor classroom, blending indoor and outdoor learning through playful, hands-on experiences. Natural light fills every space through high and wide windows, while cozy library nooks allow students to choose how they learn best. Developed in collaboration with district leaders, teachers, families, and city officials, the campus is an inclusive and inspiring environment that nurtures growth and a lifelong love of learning.”
Design
Honoring the past while embracing the future, this campus for early childhood learners fosters a joyful, student-centered environment filled with wonder, growth, and discovery, featuring age-appropriate spaces thoughtfully scaled to support their small stature and developmental needs. A reclaimed stone arch from the original campus forms the new entry, connecting generations of learners. Three playful outdoor courtyards invite learners to explore, discover, and move freely, featuring soft turf, a covered play area for year-round fun, and secure, curiosity-filled spaces designed just for young learners. Inside, each grade-level pod centers around a bright, flexible learning hub where students can interact with peers, building an early sense of belonging. High and wide windows flood the campus with natural light, creating a bright, uplifting environment. Every space is thoughtfully designed with the youngest learners in mind, supporting growing independence, joyful movement, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Value
Designed with imagination and long-term value in mind, this PK-1st grade campus blends playful learning with intentional planning that benefits the whole community. A reclaimed stone arch from the original school welcomes students while honoring local history, and durable regional materials reduce maintenance costs and reflect the character of the surrounding natural environment. The compact, single-level layout is easy for little learners to navigate and boosts energy efficiency. Thoughtful site planning preserved areas of the original campus, now repurposed as a professional development center. A walking track, widely used by the community, was thoughtfully integrated as a space for gathering, wellness, and connection. Designed with purpose and shaped by thoughtful master planning, every element of this campus adds value in nurturing young learners and strengthening community connections for years to come.
Wellness
Designed with early learners in mind and guided by intentional planning, the learning environment nurtures the whole child by integrating wellness into every element of the educational experience. High and wide windows fill the building with natural light, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere. The vibrant, light-filled library features cozy reading nooks and age-appropriate collaboration spaces, empowering students to choose how and where they learn best while fostering comfort, agency, and exploration. Three playful outdoor courtyards promote movement, discovery, and joyful learning with soft turf, a covered play area for all-weather fun, and secure, curiosity-sparking spaces designed for young children. A centrally located counselor’s office ensures emotional support is always within reach. These intentional design choices create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring setting where young learners thrive.
Community
Rooted in the district’s rich culture, this campus for young learners reimagines a cherished local school while celebrating community heritage and identity. A reclaimed stone arch from the original elementary now frames the entry, serving as a powerful symbol of tradition and legacy. The design fosters connection and school pride for the youngest learners through bright, open corridors, playful graphics, and clear sightlines into courtyards and shared spaces, ensuring students feel safe, supported, and part of a shared learning community. A walking track, thoughtfully integrated into the site, has become a daily destination for gathering, wellness, and building community bonds. Shaped by input from students, educators, and families, the campus reflects district pride, supports family engagement, and creates a lasting sense of place that will serve generations to come.
Planning
From the early planning phase, district leaders, teachers, families, and city officials collaborated through an intentional process to design an early childhood campus focused on creating a safe, inspiring, and developmentally appropriate environment, carefully tailored to the needs of young learners and thoughtfully scaled to support their small stature and overall development. Every design decision supported their well-being, incorporating intuitive wayfinding, active outdoor spaces, and a single-level layout that promotes safety and belonging. Each grade-level pod features its own distinct colors and playful graphics, intentionally designed to help the littlest of learners navigate their surroundings with confidence and ease. Flexible teaching spaces, secure outdoor courtyards, and built-in discovery zones encourage movement, curiosity, and joyful play. This collaborative, student-focused approach shaped a vibrant campus that inspires a lifelong love of learning.
School Transformation
Bright, welcoming, and purposefully designed, this early childhood learning environment transforms teaching and learning by placing child development at its core. Three secure outdoor courtyards with soft turf and age-appropriate curricular elements encourage discovery and play, while a covered patio adjacent to the library serves as an all-season classroom, creating a seamless indoor outdoor learning environment. Inside, the single level layout minimizes transitions and fosters independence, while highand wide windows flood the building with natural light, enhancing comfort and engagement. Each grade-level pod features distinct colors and playful graphics that support intuitive wayfinding, helping young students navigate their environment with ease and confidence. These thoughtful design elements reflect a deep understanding of young learners’ needs, creating a nurturing, modern space that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and inspires a love of learning.
Star of Distinction Category Winner