Masonry Industry Promotion Group

Masonry Industry Promotion Group

Project Focus

Browne Elementary
Masonry is a lesson in Timeless Design

"It's like taking a time machine from the 19th century to the 21st century," said Principal Rodger Lake describing the move from the old Browne Elementary School, built in 1910, to the new school completed last fall. While the interior of the new school has the most current technology, there is much about its brick exterior that recalls the past.
"It was important to the community to retain the feel of the old Browne Elementary," explained David Huotari, of ALSC Architects. As Managing Principal for the project, he described a design process in which members of the building committee were invited to share their vision of the new building. Because the school was the centerpiece of the neighborhood for nearly a century, people were adamant that they wanted to retain the character of the old structure.

Browne Elementary

While the new school doesn't replicate the old, key elements serve as strong reminders of its predecessor. The two-story building was constructed of red brick and split-face gray concrete masonry. Concrete masonry accent bands, pre-cast concrete windowsills and lintels recall elements of the old building.

Huotari explained that besides being essential to retaining the character required in the design, brick offered performance, aesthetics, and economy that other materials do not offer. The project, in fact, came in under budget.
A red 12" economy brick was selected for the veneer construction. It was laid in a 1/3 running bond which worked with the single grid split block. Using a larger brick reduced labor costs, and the layout of brick and block created a harmonious design.

The site presented challenges to the design team. Ten acres is a typical site size required for an elementary school and the Browne location is much smaller - less than 5 acres. In order to formally address Driscoll Boulevard and maximize the playfield area, the new structure was sited closer to the boulevard and incorporates a gentle curve and colonnade into the south façade. Construction began on the new building while the old school was still in use, and final demolition and relocation were accomplished during summer vacation.

Principal Rodger Lake describes the finished building as, "nicer than anything we could have imagined. More than 1,000 guests attended the open house and there were universally positive reviews."

He praised the feeling of space, the high ceilings, the warm, inviting atmosphere and flexibility of design. "I imagine it will easily make the transition when new technology is developed. Obviously, we won't need a computer lab in twenty years if students are all using hand held computers," he said.

By all accounts, the timeless design of the new Browne Elementary School has won the hearts of the children, staff, and neighborhood.

In addition to Huotari, the ALSC design team included: Gary Dinwoodie, Principal in Charge, Dan Griffith, Project Designer, Chuck Crane, Project Architect, and Manasa Vishwanath, Interior Designer.

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Masonry Industry
Promotion Group
Kevin Krebs
102 E Boone Avenue
Suite 101
Spokane WA 99202
T: (509) 324-2320
F: (509) 324-2489
E: kevinkrebs@qwest.net