Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects created quite the learning environment for high school students with this independent school design located in Marin, California.
The 7550-square-foot Branson School Student Commons gives students a much-needed gathering space with an unusual degree of connection to the outdoors. Sited in a narrow glen between upper and lower campuses, the structure includes a dining hall, a kitchen, offices, a lounge, and support spaces and acts as the heart of the campus. Three large overhead doors open onto a generous plaza for dining, meeting, and outdoor learning. Extensive glazing provides views of the hills and floods the space with natural light. The building is LEED Platinum certified; sustainable strategies include a living roof, radiant heating, natural ventilation, photovoltaic panels, and pervious paving.
They also designed an impressive arts center for Branson, too. Can I go back to high school please?
Photos by David Wakely.