Cypress Springs Elementary School, Dripping Springs ISD
Project Stats
- Client
Dripping Springs ISD
- Size
109,492 SF
- Awards
TASA/TASB Exhibit of Architecture - Star of Distinction: Value
- Market
- Expertise
Architecture
Furniture Strategy
Interior Design
Sustainability & Wellness
A school emerges from the hill country landscape.
This new 850-student elementary school serves the growing needs of the Dripping Springs community. Nestled in the hill country, this school celebrates the role of nature in education and daily life, providing opportunities to connect with the outdoors for students and staff alike. The center for learning and innovation is located adjacent to the entry of the school, welcoming all to the campus and inspiring all to learn.
Within each grade-level pod, dedicated collaboration spaces create opportunities for student engagement outside of the traditional classroom. The grade level pods also follow the site’s natural topography, creating unique views to the tree canopy beyond from all classrooms. The material palette sets a calming environment for learning, bringing the outside in through wood tones and limestone accents.
Nestled in the Hill Country
The building emerges from the site with a lower level clad in Texas limestone, giving a solid visual base to the wood masses and folded metal roof planes above.
Gestures to Nature
Interior railings, wall coverings, and a natural color palette connect playfully to nature. Abstracted leaf perforated railings and nooks provide unique experiences for students.
Fostering belonging within the environment.
Important design elements included creating a welcoming communal feel at an appropriate scale for students, as well as providing ample collaboration spaces to promote connection.
Each classroom pod is equipped with a collaboration area for flexible student learning and social development.
The building is used as a learning tool for sustainability. Rainwater is collected in large cisterns visible to students and used in lessons on conservation. Water cisterns are used to irrigate the site.
Hear from the team on the design approach to the new elementary school.
