Viewlands
Replacement Project
A new replacement school was built on the same location as the old school.
About the Project
The existing Viewlands Elementary was demolished to make way for a new multi-story school building. The new approximately 106,000-square-foot school serves up to 650 students.
The new Viewlands Elementary School is designed to provide an equitable, safe, and inspired learning environment. A collaborative design process included school leadership, parents, and community members. The resulting building is infused with nature, outdoor learning, and natural light. It provides the spaces and resources that students need for academic success.
Outdoor learning areas include adjacent storage, water, and power to support educational activities. Exceptional trees were preserved, and new trees increase the overall tree canopy on site when mature.
Secure, enclosed and covered bike parking is located along the main entry route and is visible and accessible to all students and staff. Additional covered, short term bicycle parking for visitors is provided within view of the school’s main office. Site improvements includes covered and open play areas, and new parking.
The school building is thoughtfully designed to fit into the neighborhood and to recognize its unique location adjoining Carkeek Park.
Sustainable Design and Construction
Mechanical and electrical sustainable design features mean that no fossil fuels will be used onsite in accordance with the Board’s Clean Energy Resolution 20/21-18 and will position the school to meet the district’s goal of net-zero energy-usage.
The new school includes a geothermal heating system, a highly efficient ventilation system that recovers 90% of the exhaust air heat, and energy efficient LED lighting. The roof is designed to accommodate solar panels which could offset 80% of the buildings energy use in the future.
Sustainable site design strategies include:
- On-site storm water management with pervious paving and run-off directed to bioretention gardens planted with native plants
- Drought-resistant plantings
- Fully shielded dark-sky compliant site lighting
- Optimal building orientation for maximum daylighting and minimum solar heat gain and glare, which reduces electric lighting use and cooling needs
- Highly insulated walls and roof to increase thermal efficiency
- Fiberglass high-efficiency windows to increase thermal efficiency, reduce air leakage, and minimize outside noise
Projected Energy Use Index (EUI): 15.8
Design Firm: Mahlum Architects
Contractor: Absher Construction
Funding Source: Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V) approved by Seattle voters in 2019
Project Photos
Contact
Viewlands Elementary School
10525 3rd Ave NW