In 2019, the Town of Darien engaged SLAM to design their new elementary school to provide an inspirational place of learning for students in grades K-5 as well as their district-wide Early Learning Program. Supporting their vision for teaching and learning, the new school needed to allow for future expansion to accommodate enrollment growth, flexibility in programmatic uses for various learning methods, and explore potential community use and access opportunities.
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at-a-glanceThrough a previous master plan effort, it was determined that the existing school was beyond its useful life and a replacement building was the best option. SLAM was tasked with finding a design solution that allowed Ox Ridge to remain operational in their current school, while the new building was constructed on the same 10-acre site. SLAM’s phased approach consisted of constructing the academic wing first, with the assembly wing to follow in the second phase.
The rectangular donut-shaped design of the academic wing embraces the change in elevation within that area of the site, placing the single-story Early Learning Program on the higher elevation, with the connecting two-story K-5 classroom wing opposite. The central two-level courtyard navigates the grade change between the two halves of the donut and serves as the main organizing element for the building. The courtyard features an amphitheater and a variety of outdoor learning spaces, including the “birds-nest” for small group reading or quiet reflection. Inside the K-5 wing, grade levels are organized into neighborhoods, each containing four classrooms and their own individual Learning Commons. The Learning Commons activates the corridor into an engaging “learning beyond the classroom” environment for students to interact with their peers and teachers.
This vibrant and inviting new building provides over 500 students, along with their families and the Darien community, a place that embraces the Ox Ridge mission to develop joyful, healthy and persistently curious learners. Dynamic and active learning environments, both outside and within the building, cater to all learner types, creating memorable and transformative experiences for the students. Building flexibility into the design allowed for the Early Learning Program spaces to be temporarily used for the gymnasium, cafeteria and library while the assembly wing gets constructed.
The elementary school and Early Learning Program share a common entrance with a controlled access point, but once inside maintain separation for their daily functions (ELP to the left, K-5 to the right).
The Learning Commons offers an alternative learning environment to the classroom, whether that be with a classmate or teacher or enjoying individual focus time.
Integrated into the existing site topography, the fully ADA accessible main courtyard is the central organizing feature with outdoor curriculum space and multiple exterior spaces for programmable teaching opportunities.
View of the courtyard from the lobby plaza.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light into the classrooms. Access to the outdoors allows students to complete projects outdoors, utilizing nature as inspiration.
The Learning Commons is lined with appropriately-sized lockers, increasing space within the classrooms by eliminating the need for cubbies.
The OT/PT & Sensory Room provides an interactive space for students requiring special services to learn a range of cognitive, fine and gross motor skills. Strategic placement of the OT/PT room in the floor plan makes it accessible to the K-5 and ELP students.
View of the cafeteria.
The gymnasium is bright and spacious to support a variety of uses. A raised platform at the west end provides a performance venue for music and drama productions.
The multi-level media center is located off the main entrance lobby and bridges between the academic and assembly wings with stacks and quiet reading environments at the upper tier, a classroom setting in the middle and discover/maker environment at the lower tier. The tiers are fully ADA accessible via an adjacent corridor ramp.
View from within the media center overlooking the classroom and discover/maker environment.
Tables directly outside the cafeteria and adjacent outdoor classroom seating steps offer a variety of opportunities for engaging the outdoors in students’ daily lives. The playground is immediately to the left providing easy access from the cafeteria for recess.
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