San Francisco Waldorf High School
San Francisco, CA
The new San Francisco Waldorf High School reflects the pedagogical design principals of the Waldorf philosophy. The interior spaces are defined by a series of curved walls that soften and contrast with the existing hard-edged concrete structure and enhance the daily movement of students and staff. The first phase of the project was the adaptive-reuse of a 1970s concrete call center, retrofitting the existing building with classrooms, science labs, art studios, a library, and administra¬tive and support spaces. Old single-pane windows were replaced with operable wood-framed windows, softening the exterior façade and visually connecting the building with the surrounding eucalyptus grove. The second phase—primarily new construction—includes a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports facility, performance space, additional classrooms, and site development. The new campus is a clear expression of the school's commitment to education and the environment. This 23,000 square foot, high-performance school is on track to meet LEED Gold certification. The school is a model for green design; the building itself will be incorporated into the curriculum as an educational resource for environmental studies.
Client: San Francisco Waldorf High School
23,000 square feet, $5.5 million, Phase I Completed 2008
The San Francisco Waldorf High School spent five years searching for the right space. When they finally found this unique 1.7-acre site, they realized it was ideal for the school's use. The existing directory-assistance call center—a massive 1970s concrete structure with little interior programming—provided the opportunity to retrofit the building according to green design principles and the pedagogical principals of the Waldorf philosophy. A eucalyptus glen borders the site to the north, offering stunning views and a healthy learning environment. Public transportation stops right in front of the school, connecting the campus to the many arts, science and cultural institutions for which the Bay Area is famous.
The first phase of the project remodeled the existing building to include classrooms, science labs, art studios, a library, and administra¬tive and support spaces. The interior is defined by a series of curved walls that soften and contrast with the existing hard-edged concrete structure and enhance the daily movement of students and staff within the school. Old single-pane windows, previously sealed shut, were replaced with large, operable wood-framed windows, to soften the exterior façade, visually connect the building with the eucalyptus grove, and allow fresh air and natural light into the school. High-efficiency light fixtures combined with light sensors conserve electricity and maximize the use of daylighting. For environmental and budgetary reasons, this adaptive-reuse emphasized recycling or reusing as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. The project also focused on using new materials with high recycled content and the lowest VOC content, and plumbing fixtures were selected to minimize water usage. The existing HVAC system was modified to provide 100% outside air capability, ensuring fresh air quality indoors. The high-performance school, a model for green design, is on track to meet LEED Gold certification—no small feat for a remodeling project.
The second phase—primarily new construction—includes a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports facility, performance space, and landscaping with native plants. Due to the steeply sloped site, the existing building sits on stilts, leaving space below the first-floor level for new classrooms. Phase two may include new sustainable systems, such as rainwater harvesting, gray water permaculture, and solar ponds. Phase two is currently on the boards, as 450 architects works with the school community and local neighbors to bring it into reality.
For more information, please visit the San Francisco Waldorf High School website.
