Winner of the Special “Green” Award by the Concrete Council of St. Louis
2019 Snapshot:
On the grounds of Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a new kind of learning environment began to take shape—one designed not just to educate, but to inspire resilience, sustainability, and innovation for generations to come.
Pierce Terrace Elementary School was envisioned as more than a building; it’s a 77,000 sq. ft. campus carefully integrated into a 37-acre site, complete with parking, playgrounds, and walking trails that encourage movement, exploration, and connection with the outdoors. As part of a selected design-build team, TWM helped bring this vision to life, shaping the civil site design for a 325-student facility aligned with Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) 21st Century Learning Environment principles.
From the earliest stages, the project demanded precision and foresight. A comprehensive three-phased Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) guided construction activities, ensuring environmental protection remained central throughout development. Low Impact Development (LID) strategies were woven into the site itself—bio-retention areas and infiltration basins were planted and positioned not just to manage stormwater, but to restore balance between the built and natural environments.
Security was seamlessly integrated into the landscape through thoughtful civil site design that incorporated anti-terrorism features without compromising the openness and accessibility of a school setting. At the same time, sustainability went beyond standard expectations: solar panels and windmills were introduced to help power the school’s electrical systems, reinforcing the project’s commitment to renewable energy and long-term efficiency.
Inside, the school supports modern, flexible learning spaces designed to adapt to evolving teaching methods. The facility is fully equipped with WiFi, ensuring seamless connectivity for students and educators and reinforcing its role as a true 21st-century learning environment.
The project’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative design was recognized with the Special “Green” Award from the Concrete Council of St. Louis, underscoring its achievement in sustainable construction practices.
The result is a campus that reflects a modern understanding of what an elementary school can be—safe yet welcoming, functional yet forward-thinking, and deeply connected to both environmental stewardship and educational innovation.
