Architecture / Immersive Environments

North Bend Elementary

Humble ISD, Texas2023 · Constructed

Space-themed learning area with a capsule, telescope and illuminated planets beneath a dark ceiling. — Completed space biome and collaboration environment.

Stone and timber entrance framed by trees at North Bend Elementary. — A continuous architectural language of stone, timber, and natural textures.

Illustrated campus plan with learning areas and paths surrounding the school. — Campus planning connects the building, landscape, and outdoor learning.

Marine learning environment with a submarine, colorful seating and a flowing blue ceiling. — Marine biome: learning through play and exploration.

Savanna collaboration space with a giraffe structure, slide and sculptural ceiling. — A distinct identity for each grade-level neighborhood.

Virtual teaching studio with green-screen walls, cameras and lighting. — A small footprint with district-wide reach.

A tree trunk with an inset seat anchors a forest-themed learning area. — The rainforest biome brings a woodland canopy into shared learning.

Students sit among tree-shaped tables beneath a colorful canopy. — A forest-inspired neighborhood offers informal places to gather.

White sculptural seating fills a blue and gray learning space. — The tundra biome uses landforms, color, and ceiling patterns to establish identity.

A blue climbing structure stands beside the school courtyard. — Outdoor play extends the school’s exploratory character.

A school conceived as a journey of exploration. Grade-level neighborhoods become distinct biomes, connecting architecture, interiors, wayfinding, and learning through one campus-wide story.

My contribution

I directed the design from exterior architecture and campus experience through interiors and experiential learning environments, working with the project team, district stakeholders, and specialty partners to carry a cohesive idea through the school.

How can the school itself become part of the curriculum?

One journey. Distinct biomes.

The Explorer Bobcat’s journey connects rainforest, tundra, marine, savanna, desert, forest, and space. Each neighborhood has its own identity, with materials, lighting, graphics, and tactile elements giving students different ways to explore.

Experience, embedded in the architecture

The collaboration environments were designed alongside the architectural interiors. Custom millwork, themed learning features, and integrated lighting make shared spaces part of the educational experience. Exhibit Concepts developed fabrication shop drawings.

Learning beyond the classroom

Nature trails and outdoor classrooms extend the campus into its landscape. Six virtual teaching studios support recording, live broadcasting, remote instruction, and professional development across the district.

Collaboration & credits

Practice: PBK / Ether Design Lab.
Fabrication shop drawings: Exhibit Concepts.
Recognition: five Stars of Distinction, 2025 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture.

Image credits

Completed space biome and collaboration environment. — Photography: Sean Flemming.
A continuous architectural language of stone, timber, and natural textures. — Photography: Sean Flemming.
Marine biome: learning through play and exploration. — Photography: Sean Flemming.
A distinct identity for each grade-level neighborhood. — Photography: Sean Flemming.
A small footprint with district-wide reach. — Photography: Sean Flemming.

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