Royal Oaks Elementary School

Royal Oaks Elementary School captures the potential of terrain-based design. By positioning the first wing beneath the third, the building creates a split-level arrangement that responds to the site's significant grade change. Near the gymnasium and cafeteria, this configuration produces an engaging two-story lobby. The building maintains a single-story appearance facing neighboring homes while revealing its two-story aspect on the field side, demonstrating sensitivity to scale and context.

Connecting Spaces, Building Community

The school's layout centers on a "main street" principle, where administrative offices, media center, gymnasium, and cafeteria align along a primary corridor. Classroom wings branch from this central pathway, establishing clear navigation patterns. Clerestory windows suffuse these corridors with natural light, reducing electricity consumption while creating bright, inviting spaces for students and staff.

Building as Teacher

Royal Oaks Elementary achieved LEED Gold certification through integrated design approaches. A rooftop solar array supplies a substantial portion of the school's electricity needs. Natural daylighting through clerestory windows and solatubes minimizes artificial lighting requirements. The rainwater collection cistern, shaped like the school's rocket mascot, makes water conservation visible and engaging for students.

Measuring Success Through Experience

The building design has produced measurable benefits. David Burnett, Director of Construction for Cabarrus County Schools, reports decreased disciplinary incidents and teacher absences since occupancy. Principal Melody Marsh notes how sustainable features spark student interest while enabling hands-on instruction. Laura Eubanks, Moseley's Sustainability Coordinator, developed specific curriculum connections allowing teachers to incorporate building features into STEM instruction and project-based learning.

Technical Achievement

Royal Oaks accommodates 760 students in grades Pre-K through five, with core facilities designed for 800 students. The project retained an existing Pre-K wing while replacing structures dating to 1948. Moseley adapted its E-Plan prototype to incorporate this wing, showing how standard designs can adjust to address specific conditions and requirements. North-facing clerestory windows and solatubes deliver consistent natural light while limiting heat gain, supporting both comfort and energy efficiency.

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