Sherman Carter Barnhart re-envisions University of Kentucky’s White Hall Classroom Building
University of Kentucky engages Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects with SmithGroup to transform White Hall Classroom Building, an iconic campus site.
Rich Pond Elementary is Warren County’s fourth zero-energy achievable, disaster-resilient public school, exemplifying the district’s commitment to cutting-edge educational facilities. The gymnasium, connected to the commons area, impressively accommodates 850 individuals and serves as a community tornado shelter, engineered to withstand destructive winds up to 250 mph.
Rich Pond Elementary is Warren County’s fourth zero-energy achievable, disaster-resilient public school, exemplifying the district’s commitment to cutting-edge educational facilities. With an impressive capacity to accommodate 800 students, from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, Rich Pond’s layout optimizes the learning experience.
The school’s innovative design incorporates grade-specific pods, where classrooms surround adaptable learning resource areas, fostering collaboration and creative thinking. On the first floor, the second and third grades find their home, while the second-floor houses the third, fourth, and fifth grades, creating an efficient and well-organized space.
At the heart of the school lies a versatile commons area, serving multiple functions to enhance student learning. In addition to doubling as a Practice Gym for after-school activities, this central space facilitates smooth arrivals and departures, functioning as a staging area for students. Moreover, it transforms into a vibrant cafeteria during breakfast and lunch hours, complete with an eye-catching display wall boasting multiple LED TVs, empowering teachers to engage students with modern learning techniques.
The gymnasium, connected to the commons area, serves as a community tornado shelter, engineered to withstand destructive winds up to 250 mph. With its self-sustaining systems (ventilation, plumbing, and electricity), the gym ensures continued operation during and after severe weather events, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all.
The second-floor media center overlooking the commons, features various zones of flexible seating and furnishings, effortlessly adapting to diverse educational settings. A wireless computer lab, a captivating story-telling area, and a dynamic makerspace further enrich the learning environment, encouraging exploration and discovery.
Rich Pond Elementary utilizes Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) to ensure maximum energy efficiency, exemplifying the school’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact.
Rich Pond Elementary is not just an educational institution; it is a testament to innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
University of Kentucky engages Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects with SmithGroup to transform White Hall Classroom Building, an iconic campus site.
As Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects proudly celebrates its one-year anniversary in our new building, we reflect on a transformative journey marked by innovation, collaboration,