Riverbend Elementary School

Riverbend Elementary School is modeled around a K-8 curriculum. This program presented unique challenges in dealing with such diverse age groups. Special attention was required to address the unique needs of younger kindergarten children and the advanced curriculum needs of 7th and 8th graders. The school is organized in small grade-level clusters around a central courtyard. Facilities include an administrative and counseling office, library, multi-purpose room with performing arts capabilities and a full-size independent gymnasium. Site amenities include generous turf playfields, a running track and play equipment areas for individual grade levels.

Located adjacent to the Feather River in Yuba City, California, the school’s architecture draws inspiration from the river, its levee, and the unique regional environment of Northern California. Sustainable design elements were fundamental in the project’s development. Natural daylight is abundant in virtually all spaces throughout the campus and high efficiency mechanical systems, low water use plumbing fixtures and automatic lighting controls contribute to a facility that exceeds the energy requirement of California’s Title 24 by more than 30%. In addition to the energy savings systems, the campus has a roof mounted photovoltaic system that generates more than 75% of the school’s annual energy needs. The school is recognized by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools for its energy conscious design and sustainable features and is the recipient of grant funding from California’s Savings-by Design Program.