Prototype Elementary Schools

Oswego, Illinois

In an effort to accommodate a growing population, Kluber Architects + Engineers worked with Oswego Community Unit School District 308 to develop an elementary school prototype that could be built cost effectively throughout the District. The first generation school was developed in 2005, followed by an expanded version that accommodated 150 additional students per school. Six prototype elementary schools were designed and subsequently constructed over a three year period.

The elementary school designs consisted of three areas: classroom space, administration, and a common area with a gymnasium and cafeteria. The three areas are linked with a wide corridor to accommodate easy circulation of students throughout the school. The two-story classroom area contains a learning resource center and multipurpose room. Additionally, each floor of the schools were designed with flexible spaces to be used communally for art and science projects.

The schools were primarily constructed with masonry, steel and aluminum to offer a dynamic and durable learning environment through a low maintenance and cost-effective design solution.
At the time of the schools’ construction, the national average cost per square foot for school buildings of a similar type and size was $167.76. The $113.24-per-square-foot cost of the prototype school building designs provided great value to one of the fastest growing school districts in the country.