Arch2O.com

Arch2O.com - Architecture & Design Magazine
The Branson School is an independent high school that occupies seventeen acres of hilly terrain in a residential community just north of San Francisco. The new 7,550sf Student Commons building is located in a narrow glen in the center of the campus, along with the pedestrian path between the upper and lower campuses. By providing spaces for gathering and socializing throughout the day, the student center serves as the heart of campus activity. Sited to take advantage of the sunny southern exposure, the new building features large overhead doors that open onto a generous plaza for dining, meeting and outdoor learning. The central gable and large window wall front onto an inviting terrace and lawn while the flanking support wings, sheltered under green roofs, connect to the adjacent hillsides with board-form concrete walls. Photography: David Wakely
The Branson School is currently seeking LEED Platinum certification for multiple campus buildings including the Student Commons. This building highlights sustainable strategies and that are integrated into school curriculum to help educate the students about the potential of sustainable design. Energy use is minimized by the Student Center?an array of 136 photovoltaic panels will generate 31 kilowatts or approximately 60% of the energy needed to power the building. The building is passively cooled through ceiling fans and operable clerestory windows while overhangs, sunsh...