A 71,000-sf elementary school was recently constructed in Erie, Colo.; Red Hawk Elementary was developed as an addition to the St. Vrain Valley School District.
According to Ken Field, principal architect at RB+B Architects Inc., the design for Red Hawk Elementary School stems from the desire to create a vibrant place for kids to learn.
The approach to create this type of environment centers around a central space that is connected to all parts of the school and allows for multiple ways of interaction amongst and between students and teachers.
In an effort to achieve this design, RB+B Architects selected Nichiha USA to provide a durable yet modern, contemporary exterior finish. In addition to the modern look of the panels, the ability to have vast color options were a great concern to the architects when deciding on what product to use. Nichiha met all of their requirements.
The architects chose Nichiha’s Illumination Series panels in a marigold color finish. This product was designed with a well-developed patented clipping system; the smooth large panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price.
Challenge: To design a modern, vibrant place for kids to learn.
Solution: Nichiha’s Illumination Series panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price. Nichiha’s products are designed for long-term wear and tear, a perfect solution for a school setting.
Results: Having vast color option was important to RB+B when deciding on what product to use. Nichiha’s fiber cement panel system combined with the Nichiha's Color Xpressions System provided the architects a high-performance product that included a wide color range.
“This project continues to illustrate the changing perception within the building and architectural communities of specifying fiber cement panels for educational facilities. Nichiha’s panels are quickly becoming products of choice for similar educational developments across the country; providing a low-maintenance product that has a contemporary, welcoming appearance,” says Doug Kennard, territory manager for Nichiha. “Nichiha’s Illumination Series panels are ideal for new educational facilities like Red Hawk Elementary School. Our products are easy to install and create sustainable, sophisticated looking buildings.”
As inspiration for this space, the design team at RB+B Architects studied urban scenes during street festivals. During festivals, buildings on each side of the street frame the central space where multiple pavilions of vibrant colors and shapes are installed. The most important aspect of this scene is the movement of people. Their ability to weave in and around pavilions and buildings is a joyful part of experiencing the festival and became the central theme for the elementary design.
Architect: RB+B Architects
Location: Erie, Colorado
Project type: New construction
Product: Illumination Series panels
Project features:
- Modern, contemporary exterior finish
- Color Xpressions System
- Durability
- Quick installation
- Low-maintenance
- Sustainability
- Cost savings
“The Illumination Series panels from Nichiha were a great fit for Red Hawk Elementary for many reasons. However, the size of the panels, the ability to order them in almost any color, and the ease of installation were the deciding factors for using them,” says Jason Kersley, project architect with RB+B Architects.
The partnership created with RB+B Architects and the St. Vrain Valley School District is a great representation on Nichiha’s continued commitment to the educational design community. Nichiha is excited to be part of such a fast growing design community and is looking forward to educating other architects on the benefits and advancements of utilizing fiber cement products for upcoming developments. BD+C
Related Stories
Projects | Apr 17, 2017
BD+C's 2017 Design Innovation Report
Façades that would make Dr. Seuss smile, living walls, and exterior wall space that doubles as gallery space are all represented in this year's BD+C Design Innovation Report.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 13, 2017
The rise of human performance facilities
A new medical facility in Chicago focuses on sustaining its customers’ human performance.
Laboratories | Apr 13, 2017
How to design transformative scientific spaces? Put people first
While most labs are designed to achieve that basic functionality, a transformational lab environment prioritizes a science organization’s most valuable assets: its people.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 12, 2017
Hotels embrace place
Today’s hospitality environments emphasize unique, localized experiences to attract and engage guests.
Green | Apr 11, 2017
Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings
A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.
Curtain Wall | Apr 11, 2017
Masters of geometry
Three firms that specialize in façades that curve, twist, and turn see themselves as artisans of the unthinkable.
Office Buildings | Apr 10, 2017
Innovation lab makes developing eye care solutions a collaborative affair
The Shop East innovation lab presents 13,500 sf of workspace across two floors with an emphasis on collaboration.
Architects | Apr 10, 2017
New Bjarke Ingels documentary gives a peek behind the curtain
The movie takes a slightly darker tone than previous projects chronicling the starchitect’s rise to prominence.
Architects | Apr 4, 2017
Architect Howard Elkus dies at 78
Cofounder of Elkus Manfredi Architects, his career spanned five decades, and included a spectrum of major design projects.
