Cedar Hill Elementary School | Sinas Architects

The edge of a forest is a special place for a school to exist. Our approach was to open up the school to its two neighbors: the city and the forest. The required building program could easily have added up to a large public building that mocks its beautiful surroundings. In essence our solution was simple. Hide the unnecessary. Highlight the necessary! Sandwiched in-between is one continuous open landscape that blends with nature. The edge between forest and building becomes blurred and the students gain an open school that feels closer to the forest than to the city. A symbol for the city is created, not through form, but through a clear presence of respect toward the environment and the schools surrounding context. The environment created sets the tone for a place where sustainability is not taught but experienced on a day to day basis.