Natrona County Schools Summit Elementary SchoolSubmitted by Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Summit Elementary School’s design process began with charettes involving teachers, principals, school district representatives, parents, community members and children who created word and image collages that expressed their visions for the new school. Requests included everything from flexible learning environments to ketchup volcanoes.
School design evolved from a narrative that would allow the building to embody the school’s educational philosophy, which emphasizes integrated, hands-on and real-world learning. The theme of convergence—inspired by Casper, Wyo.’s history as a place where trails intersected during Westward Expansion and by the interdisciplinary nature of 21st century learning—emerged from the charettes as a connective element through which design for the school could be imagined.
To be more efficient in fighting the large temperature swings of Wyoming, the mechanical system utilizes solar panels and geothermal heat exchange. The scope included classrooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium, administrative offices and athletic fields.
Casper, Wyo.
$15.1 millionOwner: Natrona County School District No. 1
Contractor: Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Architect: RB+B Architects in partnership with Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership
Engineers: Civil Engineering Professionals Inc., Lower and Co., Engineering Design Associates
Among the Subcontractors: 71 Construction, Academic Specialties Inc., Elco Drilling, Fiore & Sons Inc., Glass Masters Inc., Pepper Tank Contracting Co.
Start: June 2009 Finish: Aug. 2010
