Beyond Just a Building

It was important to the Academy to connect as much of the land and building together as possible. Topography, site vegetation, soils, climate, and watershed analysis provided a strong foundation for building placement and site design to the complement the school’s STEM curriculum. The philosophy of Hydro (water), Terra (land), and Vida (life) all working together in the building concept, through branding and color choices in the design, and its connection to the curriculum was paramount. Grade level groups will be identified throughout the Academy with colors and visuals that evoke the hydro, terra, or vida elements. Extended learning areas and flexible spaces along the main spine will provide a comfortable environment for kids where they can develop and nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Connecting the school building with the land it is being built on means learning can be explored within and outside the classroom. The facility is nestled into an existing ridge line on the property which will allow the scale of the new facility to be reduced. The land can be used as a learning tool for the school and will feature a maple orchard, in coordination with a syrup making class, alongside three watersheds that will inform the school’s watershed study program. Special attention was paid to the water quality and groundwater recharge on site to preserve watershed integrity as well. By immersing students in real-world challenges and applying STEM principles to solve problems, the Academy aims to nurture a generation of creative thinkers and innovators.