Paradise Canyon Elementary School

La Cañada, CA

Project Overview

Two-story two-wing classroom complex is customized to fit a tight, hillside site.

The 1960s campus at Paradise Canyon Elementary was due for an update. AMS partnered with La Cañada USD and AOR, Practice LA, to build a two-story, two-wing complex custom-configured to enclose a shaded outdoor learning area. The facility adds 8 classrooms in a 196×36 two-story building and 12 classrooms in a 186×36 mixed-height building—a site-specific design that steps down the building’s rear elevation from two stories to one story to conform to the foothill terrain. A breezeway connects the two wings, accessible via ADA elevator and end staircases customized with large 12×8 colonnades. Upgraded M/E/P and solar PV systems maintain comfort while reducing operating costs. The full-height, two-story thinbrick façade matches the patchwork pattern on existing buildings, creating a cohesive identity.

GEN7 high-efficiency systems, solar PV and daylighting exceed T24 by 25%
Ceramic tile in restrooms and WI certified casework are functional upgrades
Custom OT/PT classroom has specially-engineered ceiling hooks for therapy

Video: The Process

Client

La Cañada Unified School District

Brand

GEN7

Size

23,163 SF

Project Scope

2 custom classroom wings
20 classrooms, OT/PT + restrooms

Status

Completed Fall 2025

Our new classroom building reflects the versatility of modular design, allowing us to replicate our Palm Crest plan to control costs while tailoring the design to meet the needs of our Paradise Canyon campus. We knew we would need a creative solution to fit 20 new classrooms and auxiliary spaces into a tight foothill site. AMS delivered a two-story design that maximizes usable space and blends seamlessly with our unique setting.