Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Mark Twain Elementary School

  • 09/01/14

SHW Group - Houston, Texas

Project of Distinction Winner 2014 Education Design Showcase

Mark Twain Elementary School

Project Fact Sheet

Facility Use: K-12 Elementary
Project Type: New Construction
Category: Whole Building/Campus Design
Location: Alvin, TX
District/Inst.: Alvin ISD
Chief Administrator: Jeff Couvillion
Completion Date: June 2012
Design Capacity: 800 students
Enrollment: 600 students
Gross Area: 102,000 sq.ft.
Space per pupil: 127 sq.ft.
Site size: 13 acres
Cost per student: $17,250
Cost per sq.ft.: $135.00
Total project cost: $13,800,000

Mark Twain Elementary SchoolThe existing Mark Twain Elementary School was the first elementary school to be built in Alvin ISD. While it served the district well for 47 years, a steadily increasing student population necessitated school growth as well. During Bond Planning it was determined a new Mark Twain Elementary School replacing the original building was the best strategy to increase the capacity from the current 600 students, to the necessary 800 students.

This new elementary school steps into uncharted design territory for the district as their first two story elementary school. This project ensures a smaller footprint, translating into less up front land costs, as well as lower roof expenditures for the lifetime of the building. Additionally, a two story design permits the majority of classrooms to have exterior windows, providing natural light and exterior views. This coupled with solar tubes makes natural day-lighting a viable lighting solution. Geothermal ground source heat pumps will also serve to more efficiently cool the building.

Mark Twain Elementary SchoolAnother key element in the design is visible in the centrally located library. The library spans the full height of the building plus additional clerestory windows. Oriented along the N/S axis, clear glazing creates the exterior boundaries of the library. This transparency provide ample natural light and establishes a strong visual connection between the interior and exterior environments. By utilizing an open concept, the library’s interior boundaries are defined through subtle ceiling height and material changes; emphasizing the importance of the relationship with the school as a whole.

Project Description:

1) Control of Institution: Public
2) Type of Institution: Traditional

Locale:

Suburban

Mark Twain Elementary School Mark Twain Elementary School

Methodology & Standards:

Prototype Design

Funding Method(s):

Primary Source: Primary Source: Revenue Bonds

Project Delivery Method(s):

Qualifications-Based Selection

Sustainable/Green Design:

Site Selection and Development: Stormwater Management; Building Orientation
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Energy Efficiency; Building Automation/Energy Management Systems
Indoor Environmental Quality: Use of Daylighting; Electric Lighting Systems/Controls
Teaching Tool: Building as a Teaching Tool

Mark Twain Elementary SchoolArchitect(s):

SHW Group - Houston, Texas
Edward Blanco (PA) Sam Savage (PM)
20 East Greenway Plaza
Ste. 200
Houston, TX 77046
713-548-5700
[email protected]
http://www.shwgroup.com

Associated Firms and Consultants:

Landscape Architecture: KGA/DeForest
General Contractor: Gamma Construction Company
Structural Engineer: SHW Group, LLP
Electrical Engineer: CMTA
Mechanical Engineer: CMTA
Civil Engineer: Brooks and Sparks
Acoustical Consultant: HFP
Technology Consultant: CMTA
Food Service/Kitchen Consultant: FCA Design
Other: CMTA (Plumbing Consultant)

Featured

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Embry-Riddle Completes Construction on Research, Lab Facility

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced the end of construction on a new research and lab facility on campus. The Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II) will support aerospace research and technology development and broke ground last summer.

  • AAADM Announces Building Safety Month Initiatives

    The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) recently announced its support of Building Safety Month as declared by the International Code Council (ICC), according to a news release.