Westhill CSD Cherry Road Elementary School

The mission of this project was to provide a safe and inherently educational environment for students, staff, and surrounding community that exemplified green infrastructure and sustainable design practices. The design maximized safety, provided recreational and educational areas for students, and demonstrated environmental sustainability through a variety of design features. Site design complemented the character of the building and introduced a naturalistic aesthetic unique from traditional school landscapes.

• Site design related to a 32,000 sf building addition.
• New entry plaza with plant bed showcasing native vegetation surrounded by permeable pavers and benches made of recycled materials.
• Transition from traditional lawn to native wildflowers and grasses which encompass the entire addition with extensive rain garden system designed to collect, filter and infiltrate surface and roof runoff.
• Dry stream bed of river rock through plant bed of native, moisture-tolerant species with a soil mix designed to infiltrate runoff.
• Rain garden framed with curvilinear path featuring benches, lighted bollards, a permeable paver patio and bridge.
• Excess storm water runoff directed to subsurface storage system helping to eliminate ponding and reduce runoff.
• Prepared site plan and required documentation contributing 15 points toward LEED Certification. Project achieved LEED Silver Certification.
• Assistance with extensive community outreach including public presentations, meeting with faculty to help incorporate site features into their curriculum and attending community events.