Metro Nashville Public Schools Lakeview Elementary School

Project Statement

This Elementary School represents a forward-thinking model for education, sustainability, and community connection. Designed as a replacement school on an occupied campus, the project was carefully planned to allow the new 117,541 SF facility to be constructed while the existing school remained operational, minimizing disruption for students and staff. The new school serves up to 800 students in grades PK-5.

Located within a residential neighborhood, the design responds directly to the site's natural topography. Nestled into the hillside, the building presents a predominantly two-story façade, with select three-story elements, along the street's edge. This approach establishes a strong pedestrian presence while screening parking, vehicular circulation, noise, and outdoor activity areas from neighboring homes. On the opposite side, the building steps down to a one-story scale, reducing its visual impact and creating a more contextual relationship with the surrounding community.

The school's educational vision centers on learning through art, design, and performance. At the heart of the campus, a community hub extends learning beyond the classroom through an outdoor performance stage at the main entrance, complemented by a viewing lawn and flexible indoor gathering space. Throughout the building, art- and design-inspired environmental graphics serve as a wayfinding tool while defining distinct learning communities and reinforcing the school's creative identity.

Community engagement was a key driver of the design. An integrated indoor/outdoor community space supports both school functions and neighborhood events, strengthening the school's role as a civic destination. A new playground located near the main entrance provides opportunities for student use during school hours and serves neighborhood families after hours and on weekends. The building also incorporates a dedicated tornado shelter, enhancing resilience and community safety.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the project. Designed to meet LEED Silver certification requirements, the school utilizes a geothermal heating and cooling system as a primary strategy for reducing energy consumption and supporting long-term operational efficiency.

Site circulation was reimagined to improve safety and functionality. Relocating student pick-up and drop-off areas to the new main entrance on the north side of the campus concentrates traffic within the interior of the site, creating a safer, quieter, and more pedestrian-friendly edge that enhances the neighborhood experience.

Design for Economy

The project was designed to maximize long-term value through efficient planning, sustainable systems, and community-centered investment. By stacking classroom wings into two- and three-story configurations, the design reduces the overall building footprint, allowing for more efficient site utilization while preserving valuable outdoor space.


Locally sourced materials were incorporated where possible, supporting regional economies and reducing transportation impacts. A geothermal heating and cooling system further contributes to operational efficiency by lowering energy demands and supporting long-term building performance.


Resource conservation was also prioritized throughout construction and operations. A recycling program was incorporated into the school's ongoing operations, while materials generated during demolition of the existing building were diverted from the waste stream through recycling efforts.

Beyond building performance, the project creates added value through spaces that support community connection. Community links were strengthened through the inclusion of a dedicated community room, allowing the school to serve as a gathering place and resource for the neighborhood beyond regular school hours.


Together, these strategies demonstrate an approach to economy that balances fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and long-term community benefit.


Design for Well Being

The school was designed to promote health, comfort, and connection through an integrated approach to occupant well-being. As a LEED project, the facility incorporates strategies that support a healthy indoor environment, including low-VOC finishes, indoor air quality measures, walk-off mats at building entrances, and a smoke-free campus.


Access to daylight was a key design priority. Classroom windows were carefully designed to maximize natural light while exterior sunshades help manage glare and solar heat gain, creating comfortable and productive learning environments. Daylight is also extended beyond the classroom, with circulation spaces featuring views to murals and natural light introduced at stairways and ends of corridors, transforming everyday movement through the building into a more engaging experience.


Acoustic considerations further support student success by creating classroom environments conducive to learning, focus, and communication.

The design also encourages physical activity and movement throughout the day. Bicycle racks promote active transportation, while a variety of indoor and outdoor destinations support recreation and exploration. Playgrounds, open green spaces, and covered outdoor areas provide numerous opportunities for play, social interaction, and connection to the outdoors.


Together, these strategies create a learning environment that supports the physical, emotional, and environmental well-being of students, staff, and the broader school community.


Design for Ecosystems

The site design was guided by a commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural environment. Green space was maximized across the campus, creating opportunities for outdoor learning, recreation, and connection to nature while maintaining a strong ecological presence within the developed site.


Stormwater management strategies, including bioretention areas and pervious pavers, were integrated throughout the landscape to support natural water infiltration and reduce runoff. Native plantings further strengthen the site's ecological performance by supporting regional biodiversity and reducing long-term maintenance requirements.


The project also prioritized the preservation of mature existing trees where feasible, retaining established landscape assets that contribute to site character, shade, and habitat value. In addition, exterior lighting was carefully designed to minimize light pollution, helping to protect the nighttime environment while maintaining a safe and welcoming campus.


Together, these strategies create a school environment that not only responds to its site but also contributes positively to the health and resilience of the local ecosystem.