Murray Elementary’s Custom Modular Campus Design Delivers Two-Story Style in a One-Story Building
An old school campus gets a fresh start with AMS’ GEN7 C Series—an affordable new school design that delivers a one-of-a-kind building …
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Project Overview
Scalable design and sustainable upgrades support healthy learning.
As part of its districtwide modernization plan, SLZUSD used bond funds to replace outdated portables with permanent classroom buildings at San Lorenzo High School. AMS partnered with SLZUSD to design and deliver three AMS FORM buildings, adding six modular classrooms clustered to form an outdoor learning quad. To expedite delivery at a lower cost, AMS replicated the design used at the district’s Arroyo HS—a scalable DSA-PC design with upgraded features inside and out. Operable storefront windows maximize natural light and ventilation—a custom upgrade that creates a healthier learning environment that delivers both energy and cost savings. A parapet roof, architectural pop-outs and metal cladding enhance exterior style; inside, full-wall markerboards support collaborative learning.
- Scalable DSA-PC design is customized with healthy, sustainable upgrades
- Parapet roof and site-built metal shade structures add contemporary style
- Classrooms offer direct access to secure outdoor courtyard with greenspace
CLIENT
San Lorenzo Unified School District
BRAND
AMS FORM
SIZE
9,600 SF
PROJECT SCOPE
3 custom classroom buildings 6 classrooms + restrooms
STATUS
Completed Spring 2024
Project Overview
Scalable design individualizes space within a unified campus aesthetic.
To stretch bond funding, SLZUSD worked with AMS and DSK Architects to create a scalable design that could be customized for multiple high school campuses. Arroyo High School served as the design prototype, fulfilling a diversity of needs in three modular buildings that combine general classrooms and special education suites featuring restrooms equipped with ceiling hoists for assistance. A teaching kitchen expands functionality, helping special needs students learn life skills. To add value to a standard AMS FORM Parapet building, SLZUSD elevated finishes and included creative upgrades like architectural bump-outs, full-wall markerboards and exterior metal cladding. A custom operable storefront window system maximizes ventilation and natural light—healthier for students and energy-saving for the District.
- The custom design is being replicated without kitchen at San Lorenzo High School
- Parapet roof works with site-built metal shade structures to create a modern look
- Classrooms open to an outdoor learning/gathering area with adjacent greenspace
Client
San Lorenzo Unified School District
Brand
AMS FORM
Size
9,600 SF
Project Scope
3 custom classroom buildings Classrooms, restrooms + kitchen
Status
Completed Fall 2023
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Project Overview
Bright, modern courtyard design supports indoor/outdoor learning.
Rows of dark, rundown portables created an uninviting space for Willows’ 6th – 8th grade students. To modernize the outdated campus for 21st century learning, AMS partnered with HMC Architects to create a transformational solution that added three high-quality modular building wings clustered around a shared courtyard for indoor/outdoor learning and recreation. The student-centered concept features eight spacious classrooms—seven 30×32 standard classrooms and one 40×32 science classroom with integrated lab space—each with large windows to fill interiors with abundant natural light and outdoor views. Adapting an AMS FORM PC offered the flexibility to achieve multiple goals, lowering construction costs while fulfilling the district’s unique needs and design intent on an accelerated schedule.
- Natural flow into shared courtyard creates positive socialization for students
- Exterior finishes and rooflines blend aesthetically with existing buildings
- Customized single slope roof is slightly steeper for better water runoff
Client
Willows Unified School District
Brand
AMS FORM
Size
8,000 SF
Project Scope
3 single-story classroom wings 7 classrooms, 1 science classroom
Status
Completed Fall 2023
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Project Overview
Fully-custom building on a budget— GEN7 C Series makes it possible.
Murray Elementary needed all new construction to modernize the 1960s school for 21st century learning. Partnering with Lionakis Architects, AMS blended four fully custom modular buildings into a revitalized campus, adding 28 elementary and four kinder classrooms, with multi-use space for music, art, science and technology. The interior corridor buildings were concepted as a two-story conventional design, modularized by AMS to deliver a two-story look in a single-story pre-engineered building filled with high-end touches. The custom steep pitch 21’ roof—40% taller than a standard single-story GEN7—raises ceilings to 19’ high, a space-enlarging feature that maximizes daylighting with clerestory windows. Wide 11’ central hallways are conditioned for comfort, with bump-outs and alcoves for extra space.
- Enclosed corridors and an electronic locking system ensure student/teacher safety
- Open self-spanning ceiling system features metal plank decking and exposed beams
- Acoustical ceiling tiles and textured wall coverings absorb hallway noise
Client
Dublin Unified School District
Brand
GEN7 C
Size
45,864 SF
Project Scope
4 K-5 modular classroom wings Restrooms, workrooms + offices
Status
Completed Summer 2022
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Project Overview
High-tech lecture-labs meet Next-Gen science standards in a flexible design.
Emerson’s 1970s science classrooms were small and outdated, at odds with the District’s Next-Gen science standards. AMS delivered high performance in a high-end design, adding two new state-of-the-art GEN7 science wings, each with two oversized 36×40 classrooms sharing a central 12×40 prep room—a flexible layout that accommodates lectures, labs and project work in a fluid space with clear sightlines. Automated systems optimize comfort, controlling temperature and ambient light for enhanced productivity. Large windows and Solatubes provide uniform natural light with minimum glare—ideal for task work and science experiments throughout the day. A robust power and tech infrastructure supports sophisticated equipment, including pull-down reels and mobile fume hoods installed by the District.
- Clean, contemporary aesthetic blends into an established stick-built campus
- Natural ventilation and direct outdoor access ensure superior IAQ at all times
- Safe, low-maintenance materials make floors, counters and sinks easy to clean
Client
Davis Joint Unified School District
Brand
GEN7
Size
7,200 SF
Project Scope
2 high-performance science wings,
4 science labs, 2 workrooms + restrooms
4 science labs, 2 workrooms + restrooms
Status
Completed Fall 2021
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Project Overview
Scalable design offers classroom and lab space for multi-faceted learning.
After years of teaching a modern curriculum in outdated classrooms, Shasta UHSD needed to update quickly. Using a scalable GEN7 design, AMS fast-tracked large-scale expansions on two campuses, adding a classroom wing and two science wings at Enterprise High and two classroom wings, a science wing and a STEM/robotics wing at Shasta High. Designed in tandem, the projects added 12 new classroom/lab configurations at each school, customized to programming and delivered within a year. Open classrooms support collaborative learning; lecture-lab layouts provide space for dry and wet science, with factory-installed ductless fume hoods and prep rooms for chemical and equipment storage. Natural ventilation and outdoor access prioritize safety and IAQ, with large windows providing abundant natural light.
- Customizable scalable design replicates classroom layouts to save time and money
- High-tech infrastructure supports sophisticated equipment and digital devices
- Epoxy countertops and concrete floors are durable and easy-care for science labs
CLIENT
Shasta Union High School District
BRAND
GEN7
SIZE
33,120 SF
PROJECT SCOPE
7 buildings; 2 campuses Classrooms, labs, restrooms
STATUS
Completed Spring 2020
Project Overview
Creativity and sustainable design are part of the plan at Serendipity School.
Serendipity School encourages creativity, so when it came time to add much-needed auxiliary space, it simply followed its mission. AMS worked with the independent PreK-5 school and Studio W Architects to create an innovative Arts and Enrichment Center, adding an art studio, tech lab, library, staff lounge, restrooms and the building’s centerpiece—a large multipurpose room with high ceilings, storefront windows and operable clerestory windows that fill spaces with natural light and fresh air. The fully-custom GEN7 C design is site-specific, connecting to the natural setting with sliding glass walls that open to a series of outdoor learning spaces. An earth-toned facade with tiles resembling weathered wood tie the building to its surroundings. Solar PV panels reduce energy use, helping achieve the school’s sustainability goals.
- The 21’ roof allows airy 14’ ceilings in the central multipurpose room
- Interior/exterior NanaWalls transition learning spaces while daylighting interiors
- Shade canopies with solar panels provide interior comfort and energy savings
Client
Serendipity School
Brand
GEN7 C Series
Size
4,800 SF
Project Scope
One single-story K-5 auxiliary building
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Status
Completed March 2022
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Project Overview
Creative custom spaces help bilingual preschool blend nature and nurture.
The Enlighten Chinese School started with a weekend Chinese program and grew into a full-time language immersion preschool for Silicon Valley 3-to-5-year-olds. AMS partnered with Enlighten to add both capacity and functionality, integrating indoor and outdoor experiential learning in a vibrant natural setting that inspires creativity and exploration. Six AMS 2GO buildings—four 60×32 classroom buildings, one 12×40 restroom building and one 24×40 office building—offer bilingual learning opportunities in engaging, nurturing spaces that allow an organic flow between activities. To lower costs, AMS used a pre-engineered, pre-designed floorplan with features customized to the school’s unique programming needs. Earth-toned exteriors and large view windows reinforce the connection to nature.
- Flexible, open layout accommodates a variety of activities and classes
- Durable materials and child-friendly finishes deliver quality on a budget
- Large front and side windows daylight interiors for productive learning
Client
Serendipity School
Brand
GEN7 C Series
Size
4,800 SF
Project Scope
One single-story K-5 auxiliary building
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Status
Completed March 2022
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Project Overview
GEN7 sustainable childcare building teaches kids to care about the earth.
The popularity of CampbellCare, the Campbell Union School District’s on-campus childcare program, prompted the District to partner with AMS to replicate its CampbellCare design from Rolling Hills Middle School on the Forest Hills Elementary School campus. The energy-efficient GEN7 modular childcare building provides multifunctional learning and play space for preschoolers, alongside four CampbellCare rooms, each with restroom, office and kitchen for daily food service. The open flex-design supports games, social activities and interest-based learning in a sustainable environment filled with sunlight, fresh air and outdoor views. Low-maintenance materials, automated systems, low-E view windows and skylights lower operating costs while providing a healthy environment that’s both child- and earth-friendly.
- Scalable floorplan economically adapts for use on multiple campuses
- Natural ventilation system delivers fresh, filtered air for healthy IAQ
- Premium acoustics temper the noise of music, sports and play
Client
Serendipity School
Brand
GEN7 C Series
Size
4,800 SF
Project Scope
One single-story K-5 auxiliary building
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Status
Completed March 2022
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Project Overview
Educare California’s flagship facility is a model for quality early learning.
Educare of Silicon Valley was designed as a conventionally-built community showpiece, but budget and schedule prompted the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Franklin-McKinley School District and Educare Network to turn to AMS to modularize the design as a custom GEN7 facility that serves as a scalable model for early learning and ECE teacher training. AMS integrated three modular childcare classroom wings with three polygon pods housing laundry, restrooms and storage—a creative, self-contained solution that blends aesthetically with a site-built administration building. The progressive design combines age-appropriate classrooms with activity and play spaces, all with large windows and Solatube skylights to create a sunny, open environment that meets the needs of infant-to-TK children.
- Advanced ventilation and filtration systems ensure superior IAQ at all times
- Daylighting and automated climate control keep rooms comfortable and bright
- Multiple indoor and outdoor learning spaces serve a variety of age groups
Client
Serendipity School
Brand
GEN7 C Series
Size
4,800 SF
Project Scope
One single-story K-5 auxiliary building
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Status
Completed March 2022
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Project Overview
FDR’s site-optimized design maximizes safety, sunlight and coastline views.
Nestled along the Pacific coast, FDR offers breathtaking views but its proximity to the San Andreas Fault made occupant safety and health top design priorities for expansion of the K-8 campus. Partnering with the District and its geotechnical engineers, AMS created a cutting-edge 130×32 permanent modular building customized for the unique site and the District’s long-term needs. AMS modified the building foundation to enhance structural integrity, working within our GEN7 PC to expedite DSA approval. To conserve energy, AMS installed a high-efficiency gas furnace without air conditioning—a cost-saving option tailored to the mild coastal climate. Easy outdoor access and large low-E view windows increase comfort and energy-efficiency, filling classrooms with natural light and fresh air year-round.
- Spacious, open classrooms adapt to different types of programming
- Low-VOC materials and MERV 16 air filters keep indoor air safe and clean
- A connection to the environment enhances productivity and well-being
Client
Serendipity School
Brand
GEN7 C Series
Size
4,800 SF
Project Scope
One single-story K-5 auxiliary building
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Status
Completed March 2022
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Project Overview
Specialty design gives Castro Valley’s Medical Academy the custom treatment.
Castro Valley Adult & Career Education’s new Medical Academy provides a variety of educational environments supporting career pathways in the medical and healthcare fields. AMS partners with DSK Architects on the versatile design that adapts to classroom instruction, technology training and clinical learning in large, open spaces that are bright, inviting and comfortable for adults. Working within PC capabilities, AMS upgraded AMS FORM’s modern parapet design with lap siding, stucco pop outs and roofline accents—custom architectural details that lend character to the mixed-use building. For greater energy efficiency, the District opted for ITec technology, along with storefront windows and Solatubes that fill learning spaces with natural light.
- Flexible layout accommodates multifunctional lecture and lab space
- A mix of exterior finishes creates a unique contemporary façade
- Thick 5” concrete floor adds strength and durability for long-term use
Client
Serendipity School
Brand
GEN7 C Series
Size
4,800 SF
Project Scope
One single-story K-5 auxiliary building
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Multipurpose room + art and tech labs
Status
Completed March 2022
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