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MULTI-USE BUILDING, LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Petaluma, CA | Complete

Liberty School was originally built in the mid-1800s with the first multi-use building lost to a fire in the 1950's. After nearly fifty years, Liberty School acquired the funds to build a new Multi-Use building. Several components of the building and site work were made possible by donations of parents and staff. Design inspiration came from the surrounding barns and farmhouses of the Petaluma region, and was coupled with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

In response to stringent budget constraints, several meetings between school district, staff, and parent volunteers were focused on value engineering and other methods of reducing costs. The full design intent was made possible by labor and material donations from the community. Donated items included installation of underground utilities, casework, ceramic tile, asphalt paving, and entry insignia. Contractor coordination and patience were integral parts in making this operation work smoothly.

Features of the building included a Multi-Use room with basketball court and foldout tables for dining, stage, snack bar, and restrooms. Interior elements were thoughtfully designed to mimic typical barn design features as well as a simple, clean look of the interior finishes. Expression of the structure inside and out was intentional to expose students to some of the basic elements of architecture.