The design of this special elementary school addition is intended to reflect the North Carolina vernacular architecture of its rural site. Sylvan Elementary includes the addition of nine classrooms and a media center which is covered by a barrel vaulted ceiling. The exposed steel trusses are a dynamic structural expression inside as well as contexturally appropriate.

The scope of the project also included extensive renovation of the existing school buildings to accommodate administrative offices and special classrooms. The addition is strategically sited to create a new primary entrance for the school as well as to provide both physical and visual continuity between the new and existing buildings.