John S. McCain III Elementary School is a forward-thinking educational facility dedicated to the legacy of Senator John S. McCain III. Inspired by his service as a fighter jet pilot, the school embraces a “take flight” design theme that encourages curiosity, ambition, and achievement.
Structurally, project features 4 hubs - 2 single story admin and classroom hubs tied into a 2-story classroom and elevated single story gymnasium hub by a central spine. First floor and single story walls were constructed with concrete site-cast tilt-up panel walls. The second story level was framed entirely with steel column and concentric braced frames clad with cold-formed steel stud framing mounted atop the concrete panels below. Framing utilized steel deck over SJI steel joists at roof level and composite concrete-steel deck and wide flange beam floor system at floor level. The central spine features mirrored full height concentric steel braced frames clad in translucent polymer paneling, which cantilevered to create the Occulus structure atop a steel framed learning stair used to access the second level of classrooms. The spine feature construction allowed seamless integration of large operable partitions and walkways uninterrupted by pesky columns. Other unique features include integral cantilevered concrete seats for the kindergarten classroom reading nooks, and an exterior stair at the two-story classroom building hung with integral steel bracing to avoid columns and leave the walkway open below. The panels were varied in size to minimize concrete material and economize the design. Structure was founded on conventional concrete spread footings
