Shepherd Valley Waldorf School

Consisting of a new grades building and a new arts & science building for the community, the design of the Shepherd Valley Waldorf School is very much a community process. The school has an educational philosophy that demands special attention to the scale of the human body at different ages, distinct qualities of light and color, particular orientations within and between spaces, and activities with unique spatial requirements. Working closely with different groups in the community brings an understanding of how the new building’s design can support the children, faculty, administration and parents in focusing on their work, feeling open and safe, being creative and interacting with each other.

The building’s relationship to the site is foremost intended to hold a calm inner campus, protected from intense winter winds. Simultaneously, the buildings shape views of the mountains & plains and make strong physical connections to the land & neighboring communities. A highly sustainable approach to systems integration, material selection and land management is a primary goal for the entire design team in the creation of this Living Building.