Hear That? That's a Place That Sparks Educational Play

Sunburst Elementary is the optimal project-based learning environment, incorporating collaborative space, energy conservation, and perhaps most importantly, flexible and playful spaces for young learners. The elementary is a Zero Energy facility and one of the most energy-efficient public schools in the state of Utah. Correct orientation and an excellent building envelope, combined with sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems, reduce peak energy demands and maintain low energy use throughout the day. One such system is thermal displacement ventilation, utilized throughout the building. TDV pools fresh cool air on the floor, which convects up when it encounters heat sources (such as students). This quietly delivers fresh, clean air to the breathing zone, improving indoor air quality and decreasing absenteeism. Photovoltaic panels have been incorporated on the roof, as well as serving a dual purpose as sunshades above south-facing windows. Building orientation maximizes daylighting throughout and plays a key role in energy conservation.

Classroom wings in the elementary are designed with flexibility and functionality in the foreground. Flexible furniture and teaching surfaces are integrated into classrooms and collaboration spaces, allowing students and educators to learn/teach in a variety of locations, with a variety of tools. Each wing has a unique theme integrated into graphics and finishes, while pops of vibrant color energize occupants. The theme creates an identity for the wing and ultimately becomes an intriguing learning tool for students. The school integrates collaboration spaces adjacent to the classrooms, both visually and physically connected by means of an overhead glass door, extending classrooms into a common learning space. Large glass doors also open the Multipurpose Room & Maker Space into the main Commons, allowing large gatherings to expand as needed and giving the school a more open and inviting vibe. This transparency highlights an exciting showcase for student work within the Maker Space for patrons as they enter the school.

Sunburst Elementary is unique also in that it is a Teacher Academy, meaning partner universities and colleges with education programs will bring their students and staff to this school to receive ‘in-classroom’ training and educational opportunities. Classrooms are designed to facilitate this process, and a training room was added to enhance student-teacher learning.

The school’s theme is Bodies In Motion: Rhythm. Each of the four classroom wings represents a unique category of rhythm: Look, Listen, Move & Make. These themes are incorporated into the design of the interior and exterior of the building in a variety of ways. Patterns in the exterior masonry create a fun rhythmic texture to the façade and colorful metal panel patterns were created by simulating beats of measure in music. Each composed panel represents a portion of a different piece of music. The landscape incorporates the four sub-themes; extruded sound waves in the concrete benches and artificial turf on the playground (Listen); the Fibonacci sequence is integrated into concrete patterns on the sidewalk, enhanced by sandblasting that really makes the pattern pop (Look); landscaping and concrete patterns radiate from the school's flagpole to create a sundial (Move), and the Fibonacci spiral has been created via planting patterns (Make).

Awards: AGC of Utah Green Project of the Year Award 2020