Concrete Masonry Designs
Eliza Pierce Elementary School received an award from the Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada (CMACN) and the American Institute of Architects, California Council’s (AIACC) 2017 Concrete Masonry Design Awards.
Meeting Community Needs Inside and Out
Located in the mining community of Battle Mountain, Nevada, a small rural town in the middle of the State with just over 2,000 residents, sits the Eliza Pierce Elementary School. The School is part of a comprehensive reorganization of the entire school district, resulting in building and programs that are more efficient and cost effective. In fact, the school district re-organization is part of a community-wide effort to address all of Battle Mountain’s quality of life issues – from education, health care, government services, and recreation. New projects include additions to the hospital, a new courthouse and administration building, a new recreation center, and four new school projects of which Eliza Pierce Elementary is one.
Shelter Against the Elements Brings Everyone Under the Same Roof
Eliza Pierce is a 40,000 square foot building housing grades Kindergarten through third grade. It is connected to a remodeled existing school (former middle school) that houses grades four and five. With Battle Mountain’s harsh climate, the school is totally enclosed under one roof, providing energy efficiency, and a safe and secure learning environment. A single point access system provides total control of who comes and goes, and sight lines throughout the school are clear and unobstructed.
Concrete masonry played a key part in the design of the school. Saddled with a tight budget, concrete block became a viable material to meet both the utilitarian and aesthetic requirements of the design. The main field of masonry is precision cast block of a custom color, with a small amount of split-face units randomly placed for variation in pattern and texture. Small horizontal openings allow natural light in and views out, but preserves the security of the school by portraying a strong and safe image from the front. The secure side of the school opens up with larger windows in the classrooms to facility healthy learning environments.
Eliza Pierce Elementary School
Block Producer: Basalite Concrete Products, LLC, Sparks, NV
Masonry Contractor: Silver State Masonry, Reno, NV
