American School & University magazine‘s August 2016 Educational Interiors Showcase issue has honored Gould Turner Group’s Smith Springs Elementary School project designed for Metro Nashville Public Schools with an Outstanding Classrooms Designs Award.

CLICK HERE to view the August 2016 Educational Interiors Showcase online.

CLICK HERE to view the Smith Springs Elementary School feature on page 55.

CLICK HERE to view GTG’s Smith Springs Elementary School project profile page.

 

 

 SMITH SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – ANTIOCH, TENNESSEE

Smith Springs Elementary School is situated near Percy Priest Lake and adjoins a wildlife habitat and YMCA youth day camp. Camp Widjiwagan and the school system developed a unique program that enables students to participate in camp educational programs with access to the natural environment.

Nature and sustainability provided the theme for the LEED Silver design. The school faces south and is nestled on what was once a farm, with classroom wings that reach toward the woods beyond. The design incorporates locally sourced materials, lighting controls, high-efficiency windows, and mechanical systems. Windows along the building perimeter take advantage of optimum sun angles to bring in natural light and reduce energy consumption.

The library’s raised ceiling, decorated with colorful leaves, sparks the imagination. Spaces along the perimeter of the library are lowered and carpeted to create soft seating areas for storytelling. Touchdown stations in every classroom support diversity and provide social workshops for collaborative learning. Technology plays an important role in the educational program through smart technology teaching boards and wireless connectivity for student computers.

Client:
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools

Total area:
98,000 sq. ft.

Total cost:
$15,073,281

Total cost/square foot:
$154

Completion:
July 2015

Photographer:
Terry Wier Photography