Understanding what drives the need for change
When the Del Mar Union School District decided to completely rebuild Del Mar Heights School from the ground up, they weren't just constructing a new building—they were reimagining what elementary education could look like. The district had a clear vision: create a 69,000 square foot campus that would serve over 500 K-6 students in a way that honored both their established educational philosophy and the stunning coastal environment of Del Mar, California.
The challenge extended beyond traditional classroom design. District leaders wanted to decentralize learning, moving away from rigid, teacher-centered spaces toward flexible environments where students could choose how and where they learned best.
This meant creating spaces that could seamlessly transition from individual work to collaborative projects, while also providing wellness zones where children could decompress and reset throughout their day. The new campus needed to reflect the school's commitment to STEAM learning and social-emotional development, all while maintaining consistency with the district's proven furniture strategy across other campuses.
Most importantly, the design had to capture the essence of the coastal setting, bringing the natural beauty indoors and creating spaces that felt as fluid and organic as the ocean breeze that would flow through the building's floor-to-ceiling windows.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram's design partnership with Del Mar Heights began with understanding that furniture in this environment needed to be more than functional—it needed to support the school's progressive educational philosophy while complementing the campus's striking biophilic architecture. Working closely with the district, our team developed a comprehensive furniture strategy that would span every educational space, from traditional classrooms to innovation labs, collaboration hubs, and the informal learning areas that would emerge in hallways and transition zones.
The solution centered on carefully selected pieces from Norva Nivel, chosen specifically for their exceptional mobility, vibrant yet calming color palettes, and ability to adapt to the school's layered indoor-outdoor design language. Every piece needed to move effortlessly as learning activities shifted throughout the day, while also providing the sensory support that young learners require.
Our team ensured that each classroom included integrated wellness zones—quiet corners where students could retreat for reflection or reset moments. The furniture strategy mirrored the architectural intent of lightness and connection to nature, with pieces that felt as fluid and organic as the coastal environment itself, supporting not just academic learning but emotional well-being and the development of independent learning skills.
4 professionals brought this vision to life
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