JWB

Suwanee, Georgia

Client: Forsyth County Board of Education

Capacity: 1,175
Space/Student: 131.72 sq. ft.
Area: 154,766 sq. ft.
Total Cost: $13,673,535
Cost/Square Foot: $88.35
Completion: October 2003

In one of the fastest growing counties in America, finding a site to accommodate a school is a problem. The solution is an architectural gem that is cost effective, space efficient, and a pleasure to behold. Sharon Elementary School is a multi-story 154,766 square foot K-5 facility designed to house over 1,100 students in an environment infused with vivid colors, natural light, and flawless attention to detail.

An expansive barrel vaulted entrance pavilion commands your attention and is made all the more impressive by the tremendous glass wall that spans 35 feet over the canopy and illuminates the interior atrium. The curvature that begins with the barrel vault is continued by the location of exit stairs contained in semi-circular drums at the extreme ends of the building. Student/Bus drop-off is separated from the public entrance and features a flying bridge that connects to the 2nd floor student entrance.

All core areas are located off the center spine of the school with the gymnasium, cafetorium, and grades K-2 on the 1st level and grades 3-5, along with the spacious and bright media center on the 2nd level. Extensive interior windows, tall ceilings, and the persistent use of interior bowing make the inside of the school as inspiring as the outside.

Recognized "Outstanding" by American School and University Magazine