Byron Center Public Schools

Client Challenge

Byron Center envisioned a new K-4 facility that supports an educational curriculum relating to the natural environment and the area’s agricultural history. Primary goals included: sensitivity to and promoting education about the natural environment conducive to change in curriculum and maximizing “green” design with budget limitations.

TowerPinkster Solution

TowerPinkster designed modular classroom clusters around central learning centers to accommodate entire grade levels. The learning centers are open areas with pitched roofs and high windows that flood the space with daylight. Children access the classroom clusters via mud rooms that house locker cubbies. The life sciences wing and media center are central to the building. The silo-shaped media center is a primary community focal point and the life sciences wing overlooks the wetlands. In addition, the building envelope reduces operating costs via the use of triple-glazed windows, sprayed-in foam insulation and sandwich roof panels. Lighting cost is also minimized by the extensive use of insulated clerestory glazing coupled with photosensors.