Saddlebrook Joint Facility

BCDM Architects

BCDM Architects

The Omaha Public School District, the Omaha Public Library, and the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department were independently considering construction of new, stand alone facilities in northwest Omaha. Intrigued by the potential community benefits of merged missions, the three organizations envisioned Nebraska's first integrated joint-use PK-4 Elementary School/Public Library/Community Center.


Lifelong learning is Saddlebrook's mission. The School's design creates non-institutional, child-scaled spaces responsive to the district's "me/my family/my city/my state" curriculum.


Additional Info:

The design team established a sustainability theme for the site and building design, strongly connecting Saddlebrook to the adjacent park, Standing Bear Lake watershed and regional context. Sustainable features include rain gardens, water-efficient landscaping, regionally produced and recycled materials, shading devices, a geothermal heat pump system, and the City of Omaha's first public green roof project. Entry plazas and an outdoor classroom create a welcoming entry sequence with stone block benches, textured concrete paving, and light piers. Interior masonry, exposed wood and steel structure, and stained concrete flooring internalize the natural theme. The plan was configured to provide daylighting to all major spaces and each grade level classroom. Views to Standing Bear Lake are created from several vantage points. Classroom cluster entries utilize eco-resin panels and wood to identify grade levels at children's-scale. The green roof can be observed from the Gym's elevated track level, and LCD flat screen panels display weather and green roof ecological data.


Credits:
Photos by Kessler Photography
Joint Facility: Saddlebrook Joint Facility | Omaha, NE
Photos:

Top Left: Hallway
Top Right: Classroom
Bottom: Library