The Bayshore School K-8 Conversion combines the District’s two existing schools into a single, contemporary 21st Century campus. The project incorporates 50,000 square feet of classrooms, administration and multipurpose areas on an existing site that covers approximately two acres. Due to the urban nature of the site, careful consideration was given to the safety and security of the design by positioning the facilities closer to the street and creating a single point of entry adjacent to the administration wing.
The design of the learning environments is indicative of the best 21st Century learning concepts, including shared “hub” areas for interactive learning and socialization, and a learning resource “lab” that functions as a lounge area and stage as much as it does a student library. Each of the classroom areas include interactive, touch sensitive projection devices, movable furnishings, wireless technology and a combination of tackable and writable surfaces. Movable walls on the ground floor allow for direct connection to the outdoor learning areas and gardens.
Much attention was paid to the physical design of the school to incorporate a form and materials that were indicative of the Bay Area and of a modern, urban site. The extensive use of glazing and stone suggests a clean, solid approach to elementary education and the curved floor plans and roof lines are suggestive of the ocean, the bay and the waves that are part of the region’s natural environment.
High performance was also a significant consideration in the design. With extensive glazing and the potential to increase solar gain above acceptable levels, vertical perforated metal scrim panels help diminish those gains and also cut down glare on the east and west facing facades. The project features skylights for natural daylighting of the upper story and green roofs in between the “wave” of the classroom wing. The project is among the first as a comprehensive campus planned under the 2013 California Building Code Title 24 mandate and utilizes extensive LED lighting, and high efficiency HVAC systems, including displacement air and natural ventilation, as well measures for enhanced commissioning that enhance comfort and control.
