Cattell Elementary School Cafeteria Addition

Studio MELEE

Recognitions: K-12 Projects 2022

Project Description

Like many older schools Cattell Elementary had outgrown its existing support and fine arts spaces. The architects were asked to design a multipurpose ADDITION that would include programming for a lunchroom, kitchen, teacher’s lounge and restrooms as well at the ability to be used by after school programs, local neighbors, community events, and larger school meetings. The placement of the addition on the site made it a focal point as students, parents and visitors approached the main entrance of the school. The existing lunchroom was located on the interior of the building with little to no access to natural light. Delivery and normal school traffic utilized the same traffic pattern and crossed the main pedestrian sidewalk into the kitchen causing potential safety hazards. The addition solved these issues by creating large, punched openings that projected from the main façade to allow for natural light to flood the space. Operable vents were included on both sides of the building to allow for cross-ventilation of the space. The color of the metal window surrounds was chosen to tie into the school’s colors used throughout the existing building. The kitchen and delivery functions were pushed to the opposite side of the addition entrance to separate delivery and pedestrian traffic. A floor level change in the building, due to a sunken gymnasium with stage, required the design of a ramp from the original exterior doors up to the multipurpose space. The design team used this opportunity to terrace a corner and provide a place for students to wait for dismissal to the new playground. Inside the existing school the old lunchroom and kitchen were converted into larger art and music classrooms with direct access to the stage and gymnasium.