Volusia County Schools
Ormond Beach, Florida

The community of Ormond Beach was in dire need of a replacement for its beloved Tomoka Elementary School which had been in operation for almost 60 years. The old campus was comprised of several buildings connected via canopy systems. For security, the new campus consists of a single building with one main point of entry, and outdoor learning and dining areas are now within protected courtyards.

Triangulated between the Tomoka State Park and the Tomoka River, the school draws inspiration from these natural, marshy areas and the great oak trees that grow there. Throughout the design process, the team was able to save 59 trees, including some 100-year oaks, thereby preserving a huge part of the school’s identity. The refreshing green and blue color palette and gentle patterns reflected in the school’s façade are continued through the interior of the building, with long horizontal elements representing the flowing blue river and vertical elements embodying mighty Tomoka oak trees. The highlight of the school design is the “Tree of Knowledge” in the media center. Its vibrant 40-foot canopy and strong trunk are the focal point of the space, drawing attention to the curved circulation desk.

To promote a variety of teaching styles and activities, the design team created centrally located collaboration nodes that accommodate large classes. Resource rooms for small group instruction are located at the center of each classroom wing, while offices for one-on-one instruction with specialized faculty are adjacent to collaboration spaces.

To solve the daily traffic back-up onto a busy highway, the new parent drop-off was designed to include a double-stacking car loop that accommodates 130 cars.

Longevity and efficiency of the new building were paramount to this design. Reduced energy costs and being net zero and solar-ready were this project’s primary sustainability goals.