Finn Hill Junior High School and Environmental Adventure School

The design of Finn Hill Junior High School and the independently operated Environmental Adventure School is informed by specific challenges and opportunities: keeping students onsite throughout construction; significant elevation changes across the site; framing a dramatic view of the woods to the north; leveraging abundant access to the natural environment; and physical site proportions that allow for optimal building orientation. The new, single-story building will replace the existing multi-building facility currently located on the same site. The facility will be designed to serve an enrollment of 750 students. The school program includes core academic instruction, special education, fine arts, technology, physical education, media center and commons. Key project goals include the following: To create spaces that support community and the individual’s place within it. Teaching spaces are organized around shared instructional areas, fostering collaboration and providing students with a home base. The central courtyard and the commons foster school-wide interaction and activity. > To provide a fun and safe learning environment. The central courtyard is an inviting, social space that encourages students to burn off steam, stop and say hello. Throughout the school, a visually open environment allows for passive supervision of the learning spaces and shared areas. > To create a timeless and enduring institution. The building is comprised of simple, elemental forms, scaled to people and to the surrounding neighborhood. > To connect to the unique site and environmental conditions.