The Victoria Soto Elementary School is a new Pre-K through 2nd grade educational facility, designed by TSKP STUDIO Architects, located within a densely developed residential Stratford neighborhood populated with small lots and homes. In response to the surroundings and program, TSKP STUDIO’s vision was three-fold: be consistent with surrounding residential scale; support an inward sense of school community to empower the young students; and evoke a sense of whimsy.
The exterior of the elementary school is a playful composition of glass openings set within a rain screen cladding system of fiber cement, low-maintenance planks. Two shades of gray give the exterior cladding a visual texture, while the insets of three solid colors animated with small square windows at varying heights creates a sense of curiosity.
Utilizing the rain screen exterior along with a high reflective roofing material, a 5” rigid roofing insulation, and low-e glazing with strategically located ceramic fritting gives the facility a energy efficient building envelope reducing energy usage. The prevalence of natural light throughout the school is a significant factor in reduced energy demands, as well as it creates an environment that lifts the human spirit and elevates the sense of well being for staff and students.
High Performance Building / LEED Silver Equivalent