Montessori School Phoenix, Arizona educational development images, AZ interior design, US architecture photos

Montessori School, Phoenix Arizona

Oct 27, 2022

Architect: coLAB studio, llc

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Photos by Tridicat

Montessori School, Arizona

A 5000 square foot Montessori School building with classrooms and staff spaces as an extension to an existing school in Central Phoenix, Arizona.

High-performance envelope with all insulation outside of the structural system, allowing us to expose all the lumber and structural/mechanical/electrical systems in the interior as a teaching tool, symbol of how systems work together, and to create visual complexity through straightforward means. Exposing the wood structure and sheathing also provides for a warm and woody biophilic experience.

Large north-facing clerestory windows provide daylighting to the center of interior spaces, while translucent roof panels over the large south patio daylight the deep exterior space.

The building is meant to be flexible to enable teachers to continually revise classroom layouts seasonally. The central flexible space will allow children to play inside during hot summer months, perform musical concerts, or engage in physical activities.

What was the brief?
Two flexible classrooms, with a third flexible space accessible from either classroom plus the large south patio. Teacher lounge + workspace, with access from north yard & to flexible space. Two administrative offices. Running play space (on south side of south patio). Equipment play space (on north side of building)

Qualitative needs:
– shady exterior areas, lots of trees
– unfolding/emerging exterior spaces to explore
– water collection
– high ceilings
– natural materials (wood in particular)
– low energy use, high-performance envelope
– connections to nature
– lots of daylight within interior

How is the project unique?
Montessori education highlights understanding systems, not just information. The building was designed to expose structural and utility systems so kids understand how a building works to defy gravity and provide water, power, and thermal comfort.

What are the sustainability features?
We utilized a high-performance Passive House building envelope to provide greater comfort, durability, energy efficiency, and equity (through non-harmful construction materials.) The project collects roof-water for the kids to utilize in their project gardens. The building form allows for high-levels of interior daylighting through a north-facing clerestory while effectively shedding water.

Montessori School in Phoenix, Arizona – Building Information

Architect: coLAB studio, llc – http://www.colabstudio.com/

Project size: 5000 ft2
Site size: 20000 ft2
Building levels: 1

electrical engineering: Woodward Engineering
mechanical engineering: Associated Mechanical Engineers
renderings: Tridicat
building science consulting: vali
architect: coLAB studio, llc
structural engineering: Structurology
general contractor: 180 Degrees Inc
planning / landscape architect: Chris Winters / ARC Landscape Architects

Photographer: Tridicat

Montessori School, Phoenix Arizona information / images received 271022 from coLAB studio, llc

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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