A first-of-its-kind facility for public schools in Texas, the Holdsworth Center serves as a retreat for public educators, supporting reflection and dialogue. On the shores of the state capital’s Lake Austin, the 44-acre, $200 million leadership-development center includes 15 buildings of 173,000 square feet, while also connecting users with the native landscape.
Lake|Flato’s design was informed by the belief that teachers deserve a healthy setting that supports connection and growth for their professional development and for the next generation’s benefit. Holdsworth Center, which opened in 2021, “was built as a gift for hardworking educators who deserve world-class professional development opportunities that rival what CEOs and business executives experience,” according to a statement by Lake|Flato.
With building views focusing on the lake, the project brings together landscape and buildings with state-of-the-art classrooms, a 300-person lecture space, an open-air amphitheater, walking trails and recreation areas, 186 rooms for overnight stays, and a two-story dock classroom. Parking is placed near the main entry, encouraging visitors to walk among the various trails, buildings, and central commons. To promote health and wellness, 84% of the site is dedicated to open spaces that also support water, wildlife, and ecological conservation. Throughout the campus, deep overhangs and shaded porches evoke traditional Texas lake houses.
When not used by educators, the Holdsworth Center serves as a private event and meeting space for rent, with proceeds supporting the Center’s mission.
On the Building Team:
Owner: The Holdsworth Center (owner), Square One (owner’s representative)
Design architect: Lake|Flato Architects
Architect of record: Lake|Flato Architects
Interior designer: Looney & Associates
Landscape architect: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
MEP engineer: Integral Group
Structural engineer: Architectural Engineers Collaborative
General contractor/construction manager: The Beck Group
Related Stories
| May 30, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: From micro schools to tiny houses: What’s driving the downsizing economy?
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), micro-buildings design expert Aeron Hodges, AIA, explores the key drivers of the micro-buildings movement, and how the trend is spreading into a wide variety of building typologies.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
Education Facilities | May 1, 2018
New English school for students with learning disabilities incorporates its woodland setting into the design
Studio Weave designed the school.
Education Facilities | Apr 16, 2018
Cutting-edge designs receive AIA's Education Facility Design Award
Recipients’ designs enhance student learning experiences.
Education Facilities | Apr 11, 2018
Three tips for safe and secure schools
The task of providing safe and secure environments in which our children can learn is both complicated and far-reaching.
Education Facilities | Mar 30, 2018
How can we design safer schools in the age of active shooters?
How can we balance the need for additional security with design principles that foster a more nurturing next-generation learning environment for students?
Education Facilities | Mar 23, 2018
An introvert's oasis: How to create learning environments for all student types
In order to understand why a school day can be so grueling for an introverted student, it’s important to know what it means to be introverted, writes NAC Architecture’s Emily Spiller.
University Buildings | Mar 7, 2018
New living/learning community replaces two outdated residence halls at Emporia State University
KWK Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Feb 9, 2018
University of Missouri’s new dining experience lessens food waste and inventory
The project was designed by KWK Architects.
Education Facilities | Jan 29, 2018
My day as a kindergartner
The idea of a kindergarten-only school presents both challenges and opportunities in regards to the design.
