Foxbank Elementary School, Berkeley County School District

The 108,500 SF, two-story Foxbank Elementary School is in the heart of its community. The school design references a traditional schoolhouse and blends with the surrounding neighborhood and wetlands. A front porch defines the main entrance, and the massing is broken down into smaller, gabled buildings in accordance with the residential scale.

Designed for pre-kindergarten through fifth graders, Foxbank Elementary School includes classrooms, media center, and music, art, technology, and resource rooms. Collaboration nodes in each classroom wing provide informal areas for breakout teaching and active learning. Flexible furniture and technology encourage mobility and collaboration give students and teachers options.

Wayfinding played a large role in the interior design of the school. In each wing, a dedicated color on the furniture, walls, and the floor helps with navigation. As the students move closer to shared grade level spaces like the media center or cafeteria, the colors converge.

Combining the cafeteria and multipurpose room provided an economical space for dining, physical education, assembly, and events.

For security, a corridor at the rear of the school is a safe area for children during bus drop-off and pick-up. The u-shaped building embraces a fenced courtyard, kindergarten yard, and playgrounds for children to safely play and learn outdoors.