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Education, K-12 Projects

Enchanted Hills Elementary School
Jemez Valley Public Schools
Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Phase 1 1990
$2,045,000

Phase 2 1993
$1,284,000

Enchanted Hills is a large elementary built in phases to house 900 students.  To break down its large scale, we designed it as a series of buildings along east/west circulation corridors.   The admin/multipurpose wing is at the center with three, 12 classroom wings each extended outwards.  This organization permitted both north and south side classrooms to benefit from direct radiation - north side classrooms utilize large, south-facing clerestories made possible by sloping roofs.  Overhangs cut off most direct radiation in fall and spring but allow it in winter.  To enliven the classrooms, roof joists and decks were exposed with ducts and lighting suspended below.

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