FORMA

Turns out there’s a lot of concrete in the Environmental Learning Center. And, it’s award-winning.

We’re proud to report that last night the Environmental Learning Center at Point Defiance was recognized by the Washington Aggregates & Concrete Association with the Excellence in Concrete Grand Award, their highest honor.

This innovative new STEM facility, built for Tacoma Public Schools on the grounds of the Point Defiance Zoo and designed by McGranahan Architects combines environmental learning, sustainability, and community engagement under one roof–and involved extensive, complex concrete work.

Exposed and polished concrete makes up more than 80% of the school’s floor area, and in addition to traditional concrete stem walls and footings, work included concrete soil nail walls, concrete basement & retaining walls, concrete amphitheater steps, new outdoor stairs and concrete walkways, exterior hardscape, and interior concrete shear walls. 

For more about the ELC and the other EIC Award winners, you can read the WACA2018 supplement in the Daily Journal of Commerce.