PROJECT NARRARTIVE

The new STEAM building is strategically located to frame a new quad for high school students and to define an entry gateway into school campus from the adjacent community center. It houses hands-on learning labs, black box, and specialized engineering programs. The quad complements the building programs with diverse spaces for students to meet and explore new ideas.

The integration of arts to the engineering and maker spaces is a direct response to research that shows these programs increase deeper understanding and promote innovative thinking. The wooden huddle is the hub of these lab spaces, allowing for small group discussions and presentations in a focused setting. Flexible learning environments allow for hands-on, project based learning, with expansive views given its elevated location.

The design leverages the school’s proximity to the ocean and mild climate by integrating meaningful indoor/outdoor spaces, effective daylighting and natural ventilation as foundations for the students' experience. These strategies paired with the innovative program requirements create a high-performance learning environment that yields an EUI of 43 and meets the 2030 Challenge.