Fort Bend ISD’s Lakeview Elementary School was named a finalist in Houston Business Journal’s (HBJ’s) 2023 Landmark Awards. M2L Associates was the landscape architect on the project, partnering with Kirksey Architecture and Satterfield & Pontikes Construction.
HBJ’s Landmark Awards recognize commercial real estate projects that make a significant impact on Houston and help sculpt the look, feel and image of the city, according to award organizers. The project was chosen as a finalist in the education category.
Lakeview Elementary School was selected among 61 finalists in 17 categories to receive this designation. Other finalists selected in the education category include Houston Christian University’s Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty, The Branch School, College of the Mainland – Industrial Careers Building, San Jacinto College Anderson – Ball Classroom Building and Bellaire High School.
Lakeview Elementary School is a 90,000 ft2 rebuild with a capacity for 600 students. The new campus replaces most of the original structures except for the gymnasium building, which was constructed in 1933.
The landscaping design was integral to the overall project and capitalized on not only the appealing lake view but also the local ecology. The school’s design is meant to energize students through its use of natural light and close connection to nature via the adjacent Cleveland Lake, according to the award submission. Analysis of the soils and local ecologies created an understanding of native and adapted species of plants that will be drought-tolerant and create habitats to support beneficial species of insects and birds.
“Lakeview Elementary is an excellent example of how schools and campuses are using every aspect of the indoor and outdoor environment to drive learning and sustainability,” M2L Principal and project lead Michael Mauer said. “Educators understand students benefit tremendously from time spent outdoors and with hands-on learning. This school’s careful use of design and sustainability will serve students and the community for years to come.”
M2L Associates has decades of experience designing compelling education spaces from early childhood centers to large school districts like Fort Bend County ISD to colleges and universities across the region. Click here to view our projects and learn more.