Forest Edge Elementary School

In response to a growing student population and need for more space, the Oregon School District embarked on the construction of a new elementary school in Fitchburg.

Forest Edge Elementary School is the first net-zero candidate school constructed in the state. It uses a combination of energy-efficient features and on-site generation to eliminate carbon emissions. One priority was to position the building in a way that complemented an adjacent wooded area.

The building’s east-west axis was designed to be unusually long to increase the amount of south-facing surface area open for photovoltaic solar panels. These panels now produce all the power the school uses. North-facing windows in the main classrooms, Discovery Center and cafeteria meanwhile provide views of the nearby forest.

Another goal was to bring in as much daylight as possible. Classrooms and resource areas were built around three outdoor courtyards and floor-to-ceiling glass windows were used to let light in.

The two-story building is divided into groups of classrooms called groves. Each of these has a central resource space and leads to outdoor courtyards. Glass doors and oversized sidelights connect the classrooms and allow teachers to combine their classes.

The groves were initially designed to house a single grade level. Students will meanwhile also use the outdoors as an extension of their classrooms.
Built-in, amphitheater-style seating in one courtyard doubles as a performance venue and collaboration space for small groups. Garden beds in another courtyard allow teachers to supplement classroom science lessons with hands-on activities.