Michael J. Homer Science and Student Life Center

The Michael J. Homer Science and Student Life Center at Sacred Heart in the San Francisco Bay Area offers a unique educational environment that encourages scientific inquiry, fosters a strong learning community, and promotes environment stewardship, while also leading the charge on sustainability by being the first LEED For Schools Platinum certification in the country.

Inspired by an enlightened school mission and the innovative culture of nearby Silicon Valley, this high school building offers a unique educational environment that encourages scientific inquiry, fosters a strong learning community and promotes environmental stewardship on a daily basis.

Owner

Sacred Heart Schools

Location

Atherton, CA

Size

45,000 sq. ft.

Stats

Designed to reduce energy use by 65%; LEED Platinum Certified

Image Credit

Tim Griffith

Share

The 44,100 square foot Homer Center integrates a hybrid program of eight sophisticated science classrooms, an auditorium, dining hall, and student life offices. The design promotes scientific inquiry by linking the school's science curriculum to building functions throughout the seasons - how it breathes, uses energy and resists gravity. It builds community by offering a variety of inviting gathering spaces at the nexus of campus life. It models environmental stewardship by honoring the land, engaging the climate, and conserving precious resources. The building is designed to use 69% less energy and 50% less water than a typical U.S. school. It is the nation’s first LEED for Schools Platinum-certified educational building.

Awards
AIA National - Committee on the Environment, Top Ten Green Project
AIA National - Educational Design Awards, Award of Excellence
McGraw Hill Construction, Best K-12 School in California
Sustainable San Mateo County, Green Building Award
The Michael J. Homer Science and Student Life Center at Sacred Heart in the San Francisco Bay Area offers a unique educational environment that encourages scientific inquiry, fosters a strong learning community, and promotes environment stewardship, while also leading the charge on sustainability by being the first LEED For Schools Platinum certification in the country.

“Marrying ecological concepts and spiritual values, a century-old Catholic school’s new facility promises sustainable energy savings and a sustainable legacy.”

GreenSource Magazine

The Michael J. Homer Science and Student Life Center at Sacred Heart in the San Francisco Bay Area offers a unique educational environment that encourages scientific inquiry, fosters a strong learning community, and promotes environment stewardship, while also leading the charge on sustainability by being the first LEED For Schools Platinum certification in the country.
The Michael J. Homer Science and Student Life Center at Sacred Heart in the San Francisco Bay Area offers a unique educational environment that encourages scientific inquiry, fosters a strong learning community, and promotes environment stewardship, while also leading the charge on sustainability by being the first LEED For Schools Platinum certification in the country.
with
Jake Aftreth, Aaron Brumo, Mark Chenchin, Adam Franch, Renata Li, Mattison Ly, Christina Marsh, Chris May, Christopher Roach, Charlie Stott