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Building Brilliance: Constructing Educational Spaces that Inspire

May 31, 2024
6 min read

Motivating students and cultivating environments that are engaging for learners of all ages is a challenge for educators at every academic level. It’s because of this that the decisions made while designing a new facility or updating an existing structure are significant and hold the power to foster a positive learning environment and provide support to administrators who are tasked with delivering a quality education, promoting academic success and enhancing confidence in their students.

The design of educational buildings is about more than functionality, it’s about creating spaces that encourage curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning. To follow is a mix of educational projects that demonstrate what’s possible with ALUCOBOND.


Raymond Elementary School, Washington D.C.

Sustainability was a central theme in planning the modernization and expansion of historic Raymond Elementary School in Washington D.C. However, updating the 1920s building – a treasured local landmark – was complex.

To achieve their goals and address unique challenges, STUDIOS Architecture collaborated with the Historic Preservation Office. Their plan was daring, yet mindful of the school’s legacy within the community. The proposed approach promised to minimize disruption, demolishing one wing and replacing it with a 50,000 square foot addition to address the growing needs of the community.

The school’s new design accommodates more students and comprises a gymnasium, library and classrooms, along with an enhanced entry sequence. Clad with ALUCOBOND PLUS Olivine Metallic, which positively contributed to the project achieving LEED Gold certification, the building also ideally aligns with the historic design standards.

Raymond Elementary School expertly represents the ways in which urban education, historic preservation and sustainability can be achieved.


Mt. San Antonio College Student Center, Walnut, CA

The 127,000 square foot Student Center on the campus of Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), a nationally-ranked community college in Los Angeles County, is designed to be a prime meet-up spot and the heart of campus life. A destination for commuter students, the building houses a convenience store, multi-cultural center, living, dining and family rooms where students can sit, study, dine, relax and socialize, along with much-needed event spaces and conference rooms.

Visually striking, inside and out, the student center demonstrates what’s possible with ALUCOBOND PLUS. Replacing Mt. SAC’s existing center which opened in 1953, the new building adorned with ALUCOBOND PLUS in a blend of colors, shapes and sizes, delightfully reinforces the school’s brand, generates an unmistakable energy on campus and offers an inviting and inclusive space for all students.


Purdue University Northwest Bioscience Innovation Building, Hammond, IN

Designed by Chicago-based CannonDesign to be a forward-looking symbol of 21st century education, the Bioscience Innovation Building on the Purdue University Northwest campus is a state-of-the-art teaching facility and home to the college of nursing and department of biological sciences.

The façade’s material palette was chosen to complement the mid-century architecture of existing campus buildings — which feature red/brown brick — while at the same time provide a refreshing contrast to the bulk of nearby structures. To accomplish this design challenge, the first floor is covered in brick while the upper two floors feature ALUCOBOND® PLUS partnered with glass.

A total of 24,000 square feet of ALUCOBOND PLUS was installed in a modular design, cleverly mixing the two finishes in a repeating pattern that offsets the windows and dresses the building’s façade.


Prairie View Middle School, Otsego, Minnesota

A longtime partner of Elk River Public School District, Wold Architects & Engineers were tasked with designing a new school for the growing Ostego community, one that would offer students innovative settings that were future-focused. Upon approach, the strategic use of materials on the exterior of Prairie View Middle School helps to set a positive tone and introduce an environment that welcomes creativity and prioritizes innovation. The combination of bold color choices was especially critical to the new school’s look and to helping students cultivate a sense of excitement about being part of a personalized learning community. By incorporating the vibrant and inviting hues of ALUCOBOND PLUS, which is also durable and sustainable, the design fosters an atmosphere conducive to creativity and discovery.

The school's exterior utilizes a modern architectural style and bright, vibrant colors to skillfully symbolize energy and positivity, while also stimulating students' minds and encouraging active engagement with their surroundings.


The University of Texas (UT) Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

Ranked among the biggest and best research universities in the country, the University of Texas (UT) at Austin is recognized for its distinguished faculty and renowned “Hook ‘em Horns” chant and hand sign (proudly presented by Longhorn fans everywhere). Therefore, it is no surprise that the completed Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium includes the school’s iconic longhorn logo carved into the new seating bowl. Key to this brand visibility – and keenly noticeable in aerial images – is the Longhorn-shaped seating balcony, which reflects the team’s unique and iconic bovine brand made possible with ALUCOBOND® PLUS in the custom UT Burnt Orange finish.

ALUCOBOND PLUS metal panels were selected to match the Longhorns’ iconic team colors – burnt orange and white – throughout the south end zone while ALUCOBOND PLUS in the Rusted Metal finish clads the new towers with an almost suede-like appearance evoking the state’s Longhorn cattle industry.

“We spent significant time color matching the metal cladding,” said Drew Martin, executive senior associate athletics director for external affairs/intercollegiate athletics, University of Texas at Austin. “The Burnt Orange and Pure White panels are very attractive. The university’s iconic burnt orange and white colors are so present in the facility and are exclusive to UT.”

For Byrne Metals, fabricating and installing the panels for the Longhorn silhouette seating bowl design was particularly complex and left little room for error, according to Matt Hubbell, operations manager.

“Every panel on the Longhorn is tapered, so creating a perfectly straight line was crucial to make it look right. We made field modifications in that area, and installation went very quickly,” said Hubbell. “It is a highly-visible piece and everybody who sees it talks about it. When they see all the angles and tapering of the ALUCOBOND panels, they know the craftsmanship that was put into this project.”

In summary, the design, production and delivery of sustainable, high-quality, beautiful educational spaces and thriving learning communities is possible with 84 ALUCOBOND PLUS standard finish options, nearly unlimited custom colors and three convenient fastening systems.

For more information about ALUCOBOND visit www.alucobondUSA.com, call 1-800-626-3365 or email [email protected].

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