The new two-story, PK-8 school is located on a 44-acre site in the Steamboat Springs School District. Design goals for this project included age-appropriate environments for kindergarten through 8th grade and creating a friendly, vibrant, and fun loving school where teachers and students are excited to spend time, feel safe, and have a sense of belonging. Since the school boasts the views to the Steamboat ski area, wayfinding and signage was inspired by cozy mountain lodge style.

Linework from the unique topography of the site was designed into the ceiling plane, connecting to 2D and 3D wall graphics. Linework from the land formations and grade changes are also mirrored onto the floor. Wall graphics depict local nature including aspen trees and hiking trails. In the large common area used for eating and gathering, the mountain range of Sleeping Giant is incorporated into the main wall design with a large-scale graphic connected by a back-lit metal installation.

The learning commons is named after Mary Brown, a citizen who played a role in the original construction of the Yampa River Trail. A dedicated wood wall within the learning commons depicts signage that continues the impression of a mountain lodge with skis mounted to the wall, along with a plaque dedicated to Mary Brown herself.

To learn more about the architecture services Hord Coplan Macht provided for this project, click here.