Sacred Heart Elementary School Master-Planning and Science Lab

Project Details

Project Description

Sacred Heart Elementary aims to add a new science lab in their existing building as a result of this master planning and subsequent renovation effort. AE Works carefully investigated the school’s existing conditions to analyze and determine the best placement of this new classroom.

The team’s findings revealed that the school’s third floor is currently under-utilized and missing use of prime space that includes a vacant chapel and outdoor terrace. However, the study further revealed that several upgrades would be needed to correct code deficiencies on this third floor in order to provide a safe space for classrooms and the desired learning laboratory.

Evaluating long term goals in conjunction with budget constraints, the project’s first phase renovates the basement to create a new science laboratory. Future projects anticipate moving the laboratory equipment to the now vacant third floor to provide the science classroom. The first phase design focuses on providing flexibility so that the floor can be easily converted into a pre-school room when the lab is relocated.

The AE Works team worked closely with the dedicated teachers and staff at Sacred Heart to create this new, much needed science classroom. This project converts a basement storage room into a bright, cheerful and functional science classroom. To transform the dark and unpolished space into a beautiful classroom, the team carefully selected details such as cork flooring, custom wood work and whimsical painting to craft an environment that embraces the imagination and learning that will take place.

Capitalizing on the existing features of the building, the team added fresh finishes – cork flooring, colored panels and vision glass to create an exciting path to the new science classroom to show the exciting activities going on inside. The design also adds a small outdoor garden, melding nature into the classroom and presenting further opportunities visually and experientially to connect the students with nature and learning opportunities.

This project demonstrates the ability of the team to conduct detailed site investigations and code reviews, incorporating findings into a master plan for a phased renovation to accommodate a client’s budget requirements.