K8 Prototype - East County Manatee School District

The new proposed K8 prototype is understood to be:

• Planned for a 40-acre parcel located off Academic Avenue, east of the intersection of Uihlein Road and SR 64.
• Sized to accommodate approximately 1,692 student stations as indicated in the Educational
• Specifications document, including 903 Elementary School stations, and 789 Middle School stations.
• Approximately 230,000 gross square feet to include:
  • 1-story Administration and Media Center Building
  • 1-story Dining/Kitchen/Arts & Music Building
  • 1-story Gymnasium
  • 2-story Elementary School (grades PreK-5) Building
  • 1-story Middle School (grades 6-8) Building
  • Covered Play
  • Covered Agricultural Barn
  • Greenhouse

Project Highlights:

• To create a natural, calming arrival experience, the overall planting design language is organic and curvilinear. A variety of Florida native species are strategically placed around the campus, accentuating the architecture, forming visual corridors, and serving to speak to the natural flora of Florida. Pink Muhly, Pink Tabebuia, Poinciana trees, and other colorful plants are placed at main entries and centers in various open spaces to provide interest.
• The courtyard, enclosed by various indoor activities of all ages, provides a communal space for leaning contemplation, and a connection to nature. While keeping the main connectivity geometric, circles and curves are introduced as a secondary circulation system, empowering the outdoor classrooms with a sense of unity, commitment, love, and community.