Hayes Freedom High School

Hayes Freedom is a seven year old alternative high school named in honor of Camas High School grad, Denis Hayes, the founder of earth day. To cultivate this existing culture of sustainability the building was designed with the goal of creating as much energy as it uses. The school culture will be enhanced through a series of design elements that turn the building into a teaching tool.

The new single story building will give a permanent home to Hayes Freedom High School. The facility is designed to serve an enrollment of 200 students. The school program includes seven classrooms, science classroom, computer classroom, library resource room, family services counseling area and commons and kitchen.

Shared learning spaces and special functions are arrayed along the southern edge. These spaces modulate in shape and size according to functional requirements. At the center of the south edge the library and resource rooms step back from the corridor wall breaking up the corridor length and creating a wide light filled area with spaces to sit and socialize.

Crossed by the main corridor the entry and commons create the central heart of the school. The entry punctures the classroom bar and upon entering one is welcomed by the reception area and the soaring volume of the roof sloping up towards the south.

To facilitate the Hayes concept of nurturing alternative and individual learning styles, multiple scales of learning spaces are offered. Smaller scale study “caves” are carved out of the thick wall between the classroom and the main corridor. This thicken wall creates a transformable space that holds a quiet one or two person study cave as well as bookshelves and accessible cabinets.

The building supports the school’s educational objectives with environments that integrate the curriculum with every day activities.