Location: Austin, TX

Client: PBK

Site Area: 77,368 SF

Govalle Elementary has been serving students since 1931 and was in desperate need of an update. The new building, opened in early 2020, was designed with a collaborative approach from the community, Austin ISD and the design team to represent the area with a more modern feel.

This elementary school was designed with sustainability in mind, achieving LEED Silver Certification and being named a 4-star Austin Energy Green Building. A multitude of energy-saving features were thoughtfully included in the building, including rain gardens, a butterfly pollinator garden, a water collection system, and a vegetable garden. Learning experiences were included wherever possible, creating an environment where teachers can instruct from outside of the classroom. Existing trees were preserved throughout the space to act as shade sources around campus.