The new 48,000-sq. ft. State Street Elementary School in Westerly, Rhode Island, is designed to accommodate 300 K-4 students and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026. The project will be built on the site of the existing school, which will remain operational throughout construction. Once the new school is completed, the old structure will be demolished. The design features an energy-efficient envelope to minimize infiltration and thermal bridging, with heating provided entirely by heat pumps, eliminating the need for natural gas or propane.
The architectural design respects the historical and cultural fabric of New England. The building’s three wings wrap around an outdoor courtyard that integrates the surrounding wetland landscape, offering classroom views of the natural environment. Other biophilic design principles include large windows that extend to the floor, providing a direct connection to the outdoors for young students. Additionally, the project includes five bioretention swales to manage stormwater and a pollinator garden to support ecological learning. The interior design reflects Westerly’s coastal identity, with flooring patterns that evoke the nearby ocean, reinforcing the school's connection to its environment. Interior spaces are organized around a two story, daylit, learning commons with direct access to a maker space, media center, art room, and a covered outdoor classroom.
Northeast Collaborative Architects