Issaquah Middle School incorporates a diverse palette of Steelscape colors—including Colonial Red, Parchment, Metallic Champagne, and a clear Graffiti-Resistant Coating—to create a vibrant and durable academic environment. Mahlum Architects used this multi-color strategy to break up the building’s massing, add visual energy, and reinforce wayfinding throughout the campus. The Graffiti-Resistant Coating was applied in high-touch areas to ensure easy cleaning and long-term appearance retention—an essential performance consideration for school facilities. The blend of warm and cool tones enhances architectural depth while ensuring the exterior remains low-maintenance in the Pacific Northwest climate. The result is a lively, modern learning space that supports student engagement and community pride.


