Nueva Hillside Learning Complex
The Nueva Hillside Learning Complex is carefully woven into the land to create a variety of innovative educational environments that promote environmental stewardship and a passion for lifelong learning. The 24,000 square foot project for an independent K-8 school includes a new library, student center and classroom building organized around a central plaza.
Owner
The Nueva School
Location
Hillsborough, CA
Size
27,000 sq. ft.
Stats
Designed to reduce energy use by 65%; LEED Gold Certified
Image Credit
Tim Griffith
Designed as a model for an environmentally responsible school facility, the project uses 65% less energy and 50% less water than a typical new school facility in the United States. A 30KW photovoltaic array provides 21% of electricity needs. Living roofs provide new habitat for an endangered native butterfly species and existing Cypress trees removed from the site were milled and reused on the buildings as screens, benches and decks.
“This is a great school design that pays a lot of attention to the flexibility and adaptability of spaces. It incorporates a wide number of sustainability strategies in a very integrated, straightforward way with a design sensibility that is elegant in its simplicity.”
AIA COTE Top 10 Jury