Lockhart’s new building is a state-of-the-art educational environment for Houston ISD’s Science, Math and Technology Magnet elementary school. The school provides classroom space for 750 students and boasts a large gymnasium / cafeteria, media center and art rooms. This program consolidates the students from two outdated and underutilized neighborhood schools, and addresses cultural and historical issues of both existing schools.
A Vision for Early STEM Education
The design team began the project with Community Meetings geared to gather input from both schools’ constituents about the character of this new replacement school. These meetings were very well attended and the participants willingly shared their hopes, and aspirations for this project. The design team documented the results of these meetings and created a Vision Book that became the guide and touchstone during the entire design process. At regular intervals throughout the design and construction of the school, the project team met with the community group and PTO to update them on progress and listen for any concerns.
The building forms a protective “U” around the science garden, which serves as the focal point for many of the classrooms and circulation spaces. All occupied spaces benefit from ample natural light and views, allowing diminished use of artificial lighting. Lockhart Elementary is designed to be very sustainable, with energy efficient HVAC systems, lighting occupancy sensors, super-insulated walls and roof, and light-reflecting roofing.
Lockhart includes dedicated science lab classrooms that are served by lab support spaces. Augmenting the in-class science program, Lockhart’s Science Garden is a dynamic, interactive rain-focused landscape designed to support the elementary level life science curriculum.
This project was awarded the 2013 Golden Trowel Award from the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston (AMCH).
