Diamond Elementary School

Fort Stewart, GA

The new school operated by the US Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) offers a flexible 21st century learning environment with a “neighborhood” design. The kid-friendly scale includes project-based learning zones, collaboration areas for teachers, and adaptable spaces- small, medium, and large- to accommodate a wide variety of activities and instructional modes. Operable glass partitions allow the rooms to be subdivided easily, providing a degree of acoustical control while maintaining transparency. The adaptable spaces help teachers to individualize instruction and tailor the curriculum to a variety of learning styles.

The school’s high-performance Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) envelope puts the school in the range of “Net Zero Ready.” Other sustainable design strategies include high performance lighting and an HVAC system with closed-loop geothermal heat exchangers.