Designed to preserve and harness the environment as learning opportunity, the school’s two-story classroom wings reach toward the site’s large wooded area and visually connect students with nature. Between the wings, courtyards landscaped with native plants serve as outdoor classrooms.
Inside, small learning communities are formed by clusters of four classrooms around a multi-purpose activity area that faces the forest and reinforces the connection between lessons and environment. Shared resources link the communities, and sustainable design features make science tangible. Natural ventilation in classrooms utilizes “chimneys” for a natural stack effect. Windows are oriented to maximize daylighting and shading devices control glare. Non-toxic, recycled and low-impact materials are integrated throughout.