Florence Magma Ranch K-8 School

The Florence Unified School District was seeking a new prototype for some anticipated 1,100 student K-8 schools that would address the shortcomings of the prototype that has been used for a few of their present K-8 schools of a similar size, 101,640 SF per the SFB guidelines. Orcutt | Winslow met with district staff on several occasions and toured the existing facilities to get a good understanding of what worked well and what did not. We worked closely with the CM to ensure that we could utilize economical building systems that would allow us to exceed the district’s needs and expectations without exceeding very tight budget constraints.

The site layout accommodates the district’s requirement for a highly visible secured primary playground in the front of the school that is also within the line of sight of staff stationed in the administration wing. The parent drop off and parking area is located to maximize the access for parents bringing young children to the school. The other playfield areas are at the back of the school, oriented off of the gym and locker rooms as well as the back side of the central common space. Due to the building’s orientation on the site and the large north-facing glazed wall, when lit at night, the heart of the school will act as a beacon, visible from the street.