Location: Norfolk, VA
Larchmont School is a two-story, Pre-K through 5th grade replacement school built on the site of its predecessor, Larchmont Elementary School. The new building’s façade is designed to blend into the surrounding community and contains design features reminiscent of the original, 1920s-era school building. The new school’s design includes a one-story Common Use Area that houses the cafeteria, media center, administration area, and gymnatorium — a space that combines the functions of a gymnasium and an auditorium. A two-story Learning Community contains classrooms, small-group shared project rooms, art, science, computer and multi-purpose labs centered around a common central stairway.
Many sustainable design elements are incorporated into the building to minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency. Sustainable elements include daylighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems and building placement on the site to take full advantage of sun exposure. A web-based software system that students and teachers can use to monitor the building’s energy consumption was also included in the design. This project was completed as part of a PPEA with SB Ballard Construction Company, and was designed with The Livas Group.
