Mercer Island, Washington
Northwood Elementary School
Providing learning experiences at every step, the overall site design at Northwood Elementary balances a celebration of nature and culture and symbolizes the school district’s principles of preservation, durability, sustainability, and lifelong learning. The school’s daily social and learning functions are fortified by creating spaces that communicate a strong sense of civic pride and positive social interaction, mixed with hands-on, project-based outdoor learning opportunities. Engaging social spaces for the public and school communities and active hands-on learning spaces are immediately adjacent to internal learning areas. Many sizes and types of spaces are included, providing a wide variety of experiences.
Owner
Mercer Island School District
Client
Mahlum Architects
Role
Landscape Architecture
The living roof and demo garden offer students and staff the opportunity to engage in environmental stewardship while reaping benefits from their green surroundings. Each visitor, student, and staff view this unique green roof while coming through the main entry. The demo garden, in a learning courtyard, demonstrates the benefits of green roofs, which improve water quality, air pollutants, heating and cooling, the life of the roof, and the urban island heat effect.
