The Awty International School, the largest international school in the United States and Houston’s largest private day school, has unveiled its groundbreaking new Awty Early Learning Campus. Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Shepley Bulfinch, this innovative campus marks a significant step forward in early childhood education in Houston. Located at 1110 North Post Oak Boulevard, this 75,000 square foot facility is dedicated to Awty’s pre-K through first-grade students, representing the sixth successful collaboration between Shepley Bulfinch and Awty International School.
Shepley Bulfinch has masterfully transformed a dated, 30-year-old office park, situated on 5.25 acres, into a vibrant and engaging awty early learning campus. The original U-shaped structure of the three existing buildings offered a unique opportunity to create a secure and focused environment for Awty’s 345 pre-K (three and four-year-olds), kindergarten, and first-grade students. Within this natural enclosure, the design team converted two-thirds of the existing parking lot into a sprawling 20,000 square foot outdoor play area, surfaced with synthetic turf, while retaining parking for visitors. Notably, all but four of the 26 classrooms seamlessly connect to this secure green space, which boasts outdoor classrooms, adaptable learning zones, and a lively European-inspired plaza complete with comfortable benches and elegant pavers. A tree-lined boulevard gracefully encircles the campus and plaza, creating a welcoming and celebratory entrance for this pioneering educational institution.
“We are delighted to welcome our youngest learners to this exceptional new awty early learning campus,” stated Head of School Lisa Darling. “Relocating our early years program to a dedicated campus was a significant decision, and Awty’s state-of-the-art facility provides outstanding outdoor and indoor learning environments specifically tailored to the developmental needs of young children. Our ongoing partnership with Shepley Bulfinch has resulted in a beautifully conceived campus that will inspire students, faculty, and staff for many years to come.”
A crucial aspect of the design was to reimagine the office building exteriors, transforming them into an inspiring and child-friendly educational setting. The original glass, sign bands, and soffit panels were removed and replaced with vertical, multi-colored translucent resin panels. These panels infuse color and a sense of playfulness into the existing brick facade, creating a visually stimulating environment. The outdoor classrooms echo this design, using the same resin panels as roofing in an attractive shingled pattern. A thoughtfully designed vegetation wall acts as both an acoustic buffer and a visual screen, separating the awty early learning campus from the adjacent street. Addressing traffic flow and campus security was also paramount. Shepley Bulfinch’s design incorporates efficient carpool stacking to minimize traffic congestion in the surrounding neighborhood, along with controlled campus access featuring security fencing, check-in points, and separate entry and exit routes for carpool drop-off, visitors, and faculty.
The highlight of the new awty early learning campus is undoubtedly the dynamic outdoor play and learning area. Facing the main entrance and enclosed on three sides by the academic buildings, this expansive space features contoured, multi-colored synthetic turf terrain. A bicycle and tricycle path meanders through play structures and under charming bridges, alongside two distinct playgrounds, a perfectly sized soccer field, and dedicated basketball and play courts. Student gardens and small covered pavilions with wooden decks offer inviting spaces for outdoor lessons and exploration. The entire outdoor “garden-scape,” together with the plaza and curb-less boulevard, can be securely enclosed to accommodate school-wide gatherings and special events, fostering a strong sense of community.
The interior of the awty early learning campus is equally impressive, featuring 26 interactive classrooms, two versatile multi-purpose rooms, dedicated art and music studios, a teaching kitchen for hands-on learning, a library, a media room, and age-appropriate dining facilities for both students and faculty. A new two-story gymnasium addition adds significant value, boasting a rock-climbing wall, multi-purpose courts suitable for basketball and volleyball, and a performance stage for student presentations and events. Classrooms are interconnected through internal doors across all three buildings, promoting collaboration and easy movement. Large glass windows and strategically placed skylights flood the interiors with natural light, creating bright and welcoming spaces. Tile flooring is designed to mimic a winding path, and whimsical millwork trees in the hallways add a playful touch, enhancing the overall learning environment.
Shepley Bulfinch’s prior collaborations with The Awty International School underscore their deep understanding of the school’s needs and vision. Previous projects include the lower school complex, an athletic complex featuring one of the state’s premier soccer fields, a substantial 65,000 square foot, three-story classroom and administration building, and a practical 400-car parking garage and maintenance facility.
The successful realization of the awty early learning campus was made possible through the collaboration of a dedicated project team:
- General contractor: J.E. Dunn Construction
- Landscape architect: Red Oak Design Group
- Structural engineering: Cardno
- MEP engineering: Burns DeLatte & McCoy, Inc.
- Civil engineering: Kuo & Associates, Inc.
- IT/AV consulting: DataCom Design Group, Inc.
- Food service consulting: Worrell Design Group
- Playground equipment and sunshades company: McKenna Contracting.
The Awty Early Learning Campus stands as a testament to innovative design and a commitment to providing exceptional early childhood education. It promises to be a transformative space for young learners in Houston for generations to come.
