Courtesy of Sandstrom Associates Architecture

The new two-story building replicates the old school through use of brick, color and original materials.

Located on Center Street in downtown Provo, Utah, the new Provo Peaks Elementary replaces the original 1930s building.

Because of the area's historical significance, community involvement played a major role in the design, which was driven by three components: site limitations, the existing school's need to continue operations during construction on the same site and the need for a look that complemented the nearby central business district.

The new two-story building replicates the old school through its color palette, use of brick and recycled original materials. Hand-cast terra-cotta fascia and emblems were re-used; lintels and arches match the inner-city architecture.

Sustainable elements include an abundance of daylight entering classrooms and offices through skylights and large windows. The school's mechanical design is an energy-efficient variable-air volume system with hot-water reheat.

On the east side of the building, a 16,982-sq-ft preschool has its own entrance and gated playground. A carefully designed outdoor classroom offers an alternative-learning environment for younger students.

Because the new school was built so close to the existing school, several temporary walkways were created to ensure the safety of students and faculty during construction.

Key Players

Owner: Provo City School District, Provo, Utah

Design: Sandstrom Associates Architecture, Orem, Utah

General Contractor: Hogan & Associates Construction Inc., Centerville, Utah

Civil Engineer: Berg Engineering, American Fork, Utah

Structural Engineer: Bsumek Mu & Associates, Salt Lake City

Mechanical Engineer: Nielson Engineering, Pocatello, Idaho

Submitted by Sandstrom Associates Architecture