KDA is designing new permanent classrooms at the Dahlia Heights Elementary School. The first phase of work will be the demolition of existing temporary classrooms.

This project for the Los Angeles Unified School District was funded by a bond issue to eliminate portables and free up limited playground space at Dahlia Heights Elementary School. Bounded by an arterial boulevard and two residential streets, the site contained recently constructed one- and two-story braced steel frame buildings as well as temporary classrooms. KDA’s design consolidates the educational program into a closer relationship by eliminating these temporary classrooms and constructing an 8,000SF two-story addition of six permanent classrooms in its place.

The compact building arranges the classrooms into small clusters, while providing ancillary spaces for small group instruction and new facilities for students and faculty. The zig-zag clerestory roof reduces dependence on artificial lighting by introducing natural light into the classroom. A wooden lattice structure on the second story — similar to that of Camino Nuevo Elementary School— provides privacy to the classrooms as well as an outdoor social space. To improve accessibility to the second floor, an elevator was installed.

By positioning the new kindergarten room next to the existing kindergarten room, the design creates 6,000SF of additional kinder play space. A schoolyard garden, previously developed by the school’s active parent population, will also be reintroduced.