location
Beckley, WV
size
58,785 SF
completion
Est. 2023
cost
$17 Million

The new Stratton Elementary is a state-of-the-art school with strong ties to the past. The new elementary school serves 260 students in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

The school replaces the current Stratton Elementary, which was built as the segregated Stratton High School for black students. At the heart of the school is a tribute space to educate students and visitors about the significance of the original school.

The floor in the tribute space depicts a map of the area and a diagram of the original school plan, cast into the terrazzo floor. Images, memorabilia, and even pieces of the original building will be on display in the space. The main corridors of the school are tall, grand spaces with clerestory windows and metal-slat ceilings that emulate wood planks. Regular vertical columns give order to the space and the playful terrazzo floors showcase colorful paw prints of the school’s mascot, the bulldog.

The new Stratton Elementary features a full-size gymnasium and a cafeteria that opens onto an outdoor classroom area. Between the gym and cafeteria is an elevated music classroom that can be opened up to either side for musical performances, plays, or other school functions. The school also features a large STEAM/robotics classroom and a library/maker space, both with large, expansive glass openings onto the corridor to help activate the space. The school is designed with energy-efficient ICF exterior walls and durable concrete block construction on the interior.

The exterior of the school showcases three main entrances, each of which are treated differently. The main front entrance showcases a two-story radial element with translucent canopies and a perforated metal cap. This entrance serves as the main public entrance, as well as the parent drop-off area. The bus loop is on the rear of the site, and this entrance features a long canopy with blue translucent polycarbonate roof panels, which provide protection from the elements while still letting in sunlight. The third entrance is adjacent to the gymnasium on the front of the building and will serve as a public entrance during after-hours public and/or school functions. The school features high-tech play equipment, such as a timed 40-yard dash area and a digital 4-way soccer arena. An outdoor basketball court and an open park area occupy the space of the original school.

location
Beckley, WV
size
58,785 SF
completion
Est. 2023
cost
$17 Million