This 180,000 SF vibrant new school is focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE). The building is oriented in the east/west direction so that the prevailing winds can provide natural ventilation for the large Courtyard that contains the exterior walkways between classrooms. Expansive green areas within the courtyard are filled with groupings of native plants that provide color, texture, movement and seasonal changes within the Courtyard and add to the student’s daily experience. Rainfall within the Courtyard is drained to the planters providing a natural source of water in addition to the low volume irrigation system. The All Native plant palette was selected for drought tolerance, low maintenance characteristics and wildlife benefits. The plants were contract grown for this project because many are not readily available in local nurseries. Clusters of trees define the entry roadway and circle the two large retention ponds. This is the First Pasco County school with an all Native Plant Palette and the landscape is as distinctive and attractive as the innovative classroom building.
KIRKLAND RANCH ACADEMY OF INNOVATION
