+ Project Details

About:
Anita Uphaus Early Childhood Center
Austin Independent School District
Austin, TX
70,000 sf

Located on a seven and a half-acre site in southeast Austin, the Anita Uphaus Early Childhood Center accommodates 450 Pre-K and Kindergarten students. Children are welcomed at the main entry by a generous and playful canopy, while giant crayons, little nooks, secret forts, and books in the trees are being discovered throughout the school. Oriented around a courtyard that includes two playscapes, a tricycle track, and a dedicated outdoor learning space, each of the three classroom wings is focused on an interior commons area that boasts of natural light and vibrant colors to facilitate learning and socializing.

Sustainability:
With a goal of an Austin Energy Green Building Program 3-Star Rating, the Early Childhood Center incorporates a variety of sustainable features. The school’s expansive metal roof is highly reflective and provides generous overhangs to cool the building. Low VOC, recycled, and regionally sourced materials were specified throughout the center, while highly efficient mechanical equipment, lighting systems, and glazing reduce energy costs