The design of Bar W Elementary School revolves around a line of existing trees that draws focus to an exterior learning courtyard wrapped by a curtain wall for views of the courtyard. Located in Bar W Ranch, in a growing area north of Austin, Texas, the elementary sits on a piece of land previously owned by a family that settled in the 1800s due to its beauty and adjacency to the San Gabriel River.

Inspiration for the building exterior and interior design comes from a hill country modern aesthetic with stone, wood, and dark metal panels. Sloped roofs with deep overhangs highlight focal pieces of the program, like the entry, library, art space, and dining area. These spaces have direct views and access to the outdoors, with ample natural light spilling into the interior and soothing views of the natural environment surrounding the school. Arranged in an L-shape, the academic spaces wrap around those focal pieces and the oak trees. Inserted into that academic piece are “light bars” that pop up and out to allow daylight into the interior collaboration spaces.

Design: Pfluger Architects
Design Team: Jessica Molter, Garrett Martin, Casey Mirau
Contractor: Joeris General Contractors
Photography: Thomas McConnell