Windcrest Elementary: Re-imagining a much-loved neighborhood school.

PreK-12

A thoughtful and colorful addition creates a fresh sense of school pride for students and surrounding community.

Windcrest Elementary was overdue for more space, updated facilities, and a visual “facelift,” while maintaining its identity within its close-knit suburban community. Walking through planning and phasing options with NEISD, we proposed a two-phase project to improve the layout and functionality of the school. Our first phase of construction added a colorful, forward-facing classroom addition, showcasing the school’s primary function of educating young students. Tying the work together in the second phase, we created a welcoming “front door” to the community with an updated, secure lobby space.

Our 44,000 SF addition provides 19 grade-level classrooms, one music classroom and a library/learning resource suite. It is strategically placed to provide a direct connection to the main building, while overlapping the Fifth Grade building in plan. The new library is located midway along the new building corridor, jutting out onto the lawn to provide a colorful “beacon” to the street. Its orientation allows the librarian accessible views throughout the lively, colorful space; tall windows and a clerestory allow ample light.

The existing entry, administrative, and library areas were renovated to provide a new lobby vestibule and offices, with clear wayfinding for visitor check-in. A new covered visitors’ entry and bus drop-off add both shelter and an upgraded facade to the existing school. The interior design team took cues from the campus’ “Shooting Stars” mascot to infuse the new building with a unique sense of place. Creative application of floor tile and tactile surfaces exhibit celestial constellations and moon phases – a teachable element, and celebration of “Shooting Stars pride” for all.

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Northeast Independent School District

San Antonio, Texas

44,000 SF

Completed 2015

The colorful library addition projects its presence as a beacon to the community.

The library and classroom addition play off the existing brick colors of the campus, tying into the school fabric.

At Windcrest Elementary, the goal of success for the whole child is on clear display with its colorful and welcoming spaces – it is truly a place to 'Reach for the Stars.'

Nicki Marrone

The school’s Shining Stars mascot was integrated into the tile pattern and colors of the addition, creating visual interest and teaching opportunities within the architecture.

The library was designed to provide visibility, inspiration, and vibrancy for the many functions that it serves, with soaring ceilings and cloud-like acoustic panels.