Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, the new Wasatch Elementary School offers a dramatic shift from its previous busy home in downtown Provo. After 75 years, the site gives students and teachers space to breathe—literally and figuratively—with clean mountain air and stunning views of the valley replacing the noise and congestion of its former location. Student safety, comfort, and creativity, the building features the latest seismic protection and a thoughtful mix of materials and finishes that create a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Classrooms are bright and spacious, and flexible learning areas for collaboration and hands-on exploration. Every space is built to give teachers the tools to spark curiosity and support student growth—creating a better school and place to learn. The administration and teachers bring the traditions that made Wasatch a special place.
Welcome Desk
The administration desk is a warm and welcoming focal point for students, parents, and family members. A blend of natural materials, warm wood tones, and clear sightlines through a secure vestibule, it embodies the school’s commitment to safety, transparency, and community.
Daylight
Skylights span the roof, allowing natural diffused daylight to flood the hallways and high-volume spaces below. This created key circulation hubs that enhance paths of travel and social interaction among students and teachers.
Dynamic Classroom Learning
The classrooms are dynamic learning environments that foster student focus, collaboration, and adaptability through various teaching and learning styles. Integrated technology and flexible furnishings promote both structured and informal learning centered on student-centered innovation.
Spaces for Activity
The multi-purpose room is a large, high-volume space with a sports court floor and a stage at one end and the lunch service at the other. A mechanized partition wall gives the space versatility and allows multiple school activities to occur simultaneously. Along the east wall, clerestory windows bring in natural lighting and provide views of the East Mountain range. Motorized shades deliver customized lighting conditions for performances and events.
Spaces for Creativity
The Art/STEM classroom is vibrant and flexible for creative exploration. Bright colors and abundant natural light foster an uplifting atmosphere. Movable furniture allows for effortless reconfiguration to meet the needs of various activities and group projects. Surrounded by ample storage and counter space, the surfaces selected here had durability and practicality in mind, making cleanup simple and efficient.
Embracing the Surroundings
Designers transformed the challenging steep terrain by thoughtful terracing up the natural slope, creating a unique learning environment. The architecture embraces its surroundings through sustainable planting choices, natural and local materials, and framing expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
Space for Discovery
The media center is a hub for traditional and digital learning and engagement. Moveable bookcases allow for flexible organization and bright and vibrant finishes and lighting create a stimulating and playful atmosphere.
Collaboration Spaces
Collaboration areas are strategically placed at the ends of each floor level to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom. These spaces feature adaptable furniture to easily support both small and large group discussions and projects, thereby enriching the educational experience.