Austin International School provides a seamless trilingual learning experience for families with a global outlook. This renovation is the first step in implementing a broad campus plan designed to accommodate the growing AIS community. Located prominently at the front of the existing school building, housed in an old church, the new library functions as a place for socialization and gathering. Visitors to the school are greeted by a literary environment designed to support curiosity and adventure, which reflects the mission of the school and highlights their goals for future development.

To facilitate holistic, next-generation learning, the trilingual library employs the principles of biophilic design to promote student well-being and creativity. Taking advantage of the existing arched windows, nest-like reading niches invite students to commune with nature and enjoy their books in the natural light. The reading niches are part of the custom millwork ringing the exterior walls of the library, framing the reading room in warm wood shelving. In keeping with the seamless learning experience AIS seeks to provide for its students, additional mobile library shelving allows for easy spatial reconfiguration. Flexible furniture and an open layout provide a dynamic and inviting environment for student interaction. A built-in circulation desk faces the library entrance and grants the librarian an unobstructed exterior view through one of the distinctive arched windows. The blue accent wall and playful blue carpet pattern celebrate the school colors, while grooved ceiling tiles invoke the motif of a thatched roof or bird’s nest. Globe-like light fixtures animate the high-ceilinged space, dancing above the students’ heads in a nod to the school’s circular branding elements and global viewpoint on education.

In this initial renovation phase, much-needed classroom space and new staff offices were also added to the building. Existing spaces on the second floor were subdivided to create the three new classrooms, which are critical for the continued growth of the school – an expanding student population means a more stable financial foundation. Striking a balance between aesthetic enhancements and functional improvements was especially important during this project. We ensured that deferred maintenance items such as the installation of a new air conditioner in the renovated auditorium were included in the project scope alongside the more colorful aspects of the renovation.

Design: McKinney York Architects
Contractor: Braun & Butler
Photography: Casey Woods