Edisto Beach Elementary/Community Center

Narratives

Architect Narrative

The Edisto Community represents the best of coastal lowcountry South Carolina — a vernacular setting with small wood clad structures, large moss covered oaks and docks that stretch into the marsh landscape. These images inspired the design of the Edisto Beach Schoolhouse and Community Center.

Sited on a low, wooded 2-acre site, this 12,600 square foot facility ramps and decks above the ground. Metal roof planes are designed to de-emphasize the building’s size. Many of the classrooms open to large overhangs and deep porches. Four classrooms open to screened porches offering extensions to the learning spaces. Materials, such as block and siding, which are indigenous to the island, are employed on the exterior. Low maintenance concepts, such as stained concrete floors to sustain heavy traffic during and after school hours are used throughout the facility.
Classrooms feature bright primary colors, with flooring and fixtures suitable for elementary school students. One classroom has state-of-the-art computer cabling. A kitchenette, used for school meals and catered events is located adjacent to the multi-purpose room. Additionally, the multipurpose room features a gym-quality floor that provides a warm environment, but can stand up to the rigors of physical education classes.

Public and educational spaces overlap. Offices and a gallery leading into the multipurpose room can be found in the entry lobby. The multi-purpose room features a raised stage and has the capacity to seat 150 people. This public portion of the building can be sectioned off from the facility’s classrooms. Colors of nature dominate this shared area with warm-colored floors and a deep green proscenium curtain. Varying ceiling heights and tiered windows create an open, airy atmosphere throughout the building.

Adding to its unique design is the fact that this is the only facility in South Carolina that combines a schoolhouse and community center. This dual use presents wonderful opportunities bringing together civic and educational leaders.

Educator Narrative

The goal of the this Education /Civic Center is to provide a facility that serves a dual role for the small unique rural community of Edisto Beach. During the school day the facility functions as an educational environment for approximately 45 students in from four year-old Kindergarten through sixth grade. After school hours and during the summer the facility provides an auditorium for the local theater company to present plays; meeting rooms and a computer lab with Internet access for small conventions or business meetings; and space for community meetings, weddings, receptions and other similar social functions.

The educational environment includes five classrooms and a computer lab. The auditorium functions as the school cafeteria where lunch is catered by an outside business. The Elementary School always has first priority when scheduling events in the facility.

The civic center portion is primarily the auditorium and kitchen section; however, access to the computer lab and a meeting room is possible through arrangements made with the facility manager. The auditorium has a large stage with curtains, a motorized projection screen, and electrical outlets to accommodate a variety of needs.

The Education/Civic Center has an Oversight Committee that is responsible for establishing and maintaining a good working relationship between the school district and Colleton County. This committee meets at regular intervals to evaluate the effectiveness of the actual blending of the dual roles involved with this facility as well as address concerns from either party. A facility manager manages the civic center/rental function and an elementary principal directs the day-to-day operation of the school.

As principal of the Elementary school I believe the building has been very successful in meeting both the needs of the school district and those of the community. The architectural firm solicited input from both the school district and community during the entire planning stages. The building design is a true product of collaboration striving to meet the needs of all stakeholders. This facility is an excellent example of a multi-function building.