Modernization/Reconstruction

Award of Excellence

Saratoga Elementary School Modernization

Saratoga Union School District

HMC Architects

Saratoga Elementary School is the oldest school site in continuous use in the State of California . The school's main building, built circa 1920, is also designated as an historic landmark by the City of Saratoga . The community had great involvement and impact in the planning process and final design. The architects collaborated with the Site Facilities Planning Committee, Board of Education, Superintendent, City Council and Historic Building Commission.

The District's educational program is articulated throughout the site. The classrooms can support several simultaneous activities, allowing flexibility in teaching styles. The District places emphasis on the arts, so the multi-purpose building provides an indoor/outdoor stage, and a special room supports enriched art and sciences programs. The design team brought natural elements into the educational environment whenever possible. The façade steps forward and backward in deference to heritage oak trees that line the building, and windows in the upstairs classrooms were purposefully oriented toward views through the tree canopy. All of the educational choices were made within a design framework that acknowledges both the historic main building and the general neighborhood context. The main entrance, which possesses the most significant historic fabric, was renovated and returned to use welcoming daily visitors.

Jurors' thought this was a very sensitive addition to a wonderful historic building that the community really wanted to save. One juror said, “This is an outstanding, competent design which maintains the integrity of the old and new.”