Deer Creek Elementary School

Hamilton Southeastern Schools

Gathering areas throughout Deer Creek Elementary provide flexibility and functionality while fostering student collaboration and curiosity.

Project Details

Built for Flexible Collaboration

Flexible collaboration was achieved through grade-level learning communities, with six classrooms surrounding a multifunctional activity commons. This activity commons serves as a space for STEM activities, grade-level presentations, indoor recess, push-in remediation, and more.

Connected to each activity commons, an outdoor courtyard or balcony offers an additional learning environment.

Designed to Adapt

An operable wall connects the gymnasium and cafeteria, creating a large gathering space when opened or maintaining separation of spaces for lunchtime and P.E. classes when closed.

Location

Noblesville, Indiana

Size

102,787 sf

Awards

American School & University Architectural Portfolio - Outstanding Design

The design of this new two-story K-4 elementary builds on concepts from CSO’s design of Southeastern Elementary School. While programming for this new school with HSE administrators, principals, and faculty, the design team determined the previous school design was a resounding success and very few enhancements were recommended for improvement. Daylighting and views, visibility, flexible furniture, classroom extensions, and multiple types of learning spaces are still key elements of the inquiry-based learning environment created.

Each learning neighborhood includes six studios (classrooms) and a central shared activity commons that is large enough for the entire neighborhood to gather. Also included in each neighborhood is a small STEM lab/kitchenette, three small group rooms, and three sets of student restrooms. Outdoor courtyards, patios, and rooftop terraces help bring the outdoors in and provide additional opportunity for extending the classroom outside.

Adjacent to the learning neighborhoods are instructional spaces for art and music along with a language/global studies/resource studio The close proximity between the neighborhoods and the enrichment areas provides the possibility of a flex classroom should a grade level size fluctuate and need an additional classroom.

The most central point in the building is the Discovery Center (Media Center) and support spaces. A large, two-story open area draws students into the space with various zones for gathering and reading as well as providing space for media production.