Samuel V Champion High School

The rolling site of Samuel V. Champion High School offered many gifts to this 299,400-square-foot school for 1,750 students. An abundance of mature live oak trees and natural meandering creek offered many opportunities for the school and site to engage. The two buildings form an entry courtyard and were carefully arranged to not only preserve trees but to incorporate them into the plan. Classrooms have views to the native landscape and an abundance of natural light. The lost tradition of area ranchers collecting rainwater is rekindled at Champion, with the harvested rainwater stored in the entry tower to serve as a reminder of conserving this precious resource. The rainwater harvesting system was recognized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with its top Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence and is used irrigate the athletic fields.