Ponder    Ponder, TX

Ponder Elementary

The facility is zoned with the active programmatic elements, including the gymnasium and cafetorium, on the north side of the site with the core facilities designed as a "bar" type building and located between the classroom pods. Each pod is designed as a freestanding facility that serves two grade levels and has a connection piece back to the main building. The classroom pods are splayed on the north side of the building to provide shelter under a covered walkway that extends the length of the building. The walkway provides direct access to the playground area and all weather court on the north side of the building. The main corridor of the core facility integrates clerestory windows to provide natural light to the building interior. HVAC ductwork penetrates the corridor walls and provides not only an architectural feature, but a sense of scale to the vertical space in the corridor.

Exterior materials extending into the building are present throughout the interior spaces. Interior finishes include extensive use of tile and maple paneling. The building was planned as a conventional steel framed building with standing seam metal and built-up roofs with masonry veneer on a structurally suspended slab.

Ponder Administration

The design of the administration building centers around a public lobby space that serves as an entry to the building and a large public gathering place. The lobby is framed in storefront to maintain a transparent transition between two solid masonry structures on each side, consisting of the board/training room and administrative offices. The lobby also serves to direct individuals, through transition in flooring and ceiling materials, to the board and staff development room. The board and staff development room is positioned with a skewed axis to the building, emphasizing a hierarchy of building elements and reinforcing views to the new elementary school and existing high school. The interior volume of this room is detailed using exposed steel trusses, direct/indirect lighting and maple paneling.



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