Northlea Elementary & Middle School

For this second-storey addition to Northlea Elementary & Middle School, we prioritized natural light, higher ceilings, proper ventilation, accessible circulation, and spaces that encourage physical activity to support the overall well-being of students and staff. 

The main challenge of this addition project was that the new structure had to be built above and around existing elements that were not originally designed to support a second storey. We adopted several strategies to minimize damage to the existing structure and reduce costs. Because the new addition would have obstructed the windows of the existing classrooms, we added clerestory windows along the corridor, creating a light well that channels daylight into the classrooms.

Sleek black steel guardrails with angular lines define the perimeter of the new barrier-free accessible ramp and adjacent steps, which lead to a new student locker area.