Creating Connecticut's First ICF School

Candlewood Lake Elementary School

Brookfield, Connecticut

The new Candlewood Lake Elementary School is an environmentally themed PK-5 school with a unique building layout that embraces the topography of the site. The building and site design integrate wetlands, play areas, learning gardens, rainwater harvesting and a nature walk to advance student engagement and environmental stewardship. Encompassing more than 156,000 SF, the school is carefully designed to feel age appropriate in scale. A seperate Early Childhood Center serves grades Pre-K and Kindergarten, while grade level pods create a neighborhood feel within the building. Additionally, nature themed graphics and wayfinding provide clear direction to early learners and promote identity and ownership of the school. The building is designed to maximize sustainability and promote student wellness, with Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction, efficient mechanical systems, improved air quality and access to natural daylight.