Project Details
- Project Manager: Matt Hood
- ArchitectRTA: Contractor
- GE Johnson:
Overview
The new replacement building for School in the Woods is scheduled to open in fall of 2018 for approximately 78 fourth grade students as well as third through eighth grade Home School (TRACKS) students. These "Naturalists" will learn through direct interaction with living systems, integrated into an academically challenging curriculum in a safe environment. The school design emphasizes outdoor learning, sustainability, exploration, and dedication to the study of natural sciences in 640 acres of relatively undisturbed ponderosa pine ecosystem in Black Forest Colorado.
Project Features
Open Learning Labs and TRACKS classroom designs will enhance interaction and exploration between groups in science, social studies and all other academic areas.
Curiosity Center and Learning Stairs centrally located for open access to demonstration kitchen, staff workroom, and restrooms.
Single-story design creates proximity to the Outdoor Patio and improves instructional time spent outdoors in the "living classroom" actively exploring and learning about weather, water, soil, plants, and wildlife. The unique building design will enrich the teaching and field instruction in all areas of the curriculum.
A Break Out Hall used as a flexible space for small group meetings, cubby storage, and transition from the Outdoor Patio to Learning Labs. South facing windows allow for year-round use.
Building design uses natural materials and biomimicry to awaken the student's relationship to the environment, learning opportunities, and community interaction.
Building location and orientation away from the main road enriches the "in the woods" feel to encourage exploration and submersion into the environment.
Scope of Work
Remodels/Additions - $3,850,000
- Complete replacement of SITW modular facility w/permanent structure
Technology Infrastructure
- Connect existing modulars to the district's fiber network.
- Move the fiber connection from the existing facility to a new school building.
Completed Projects
- Connected modulars to the district's fiber network, enabling faster and more reliable Internet service.
- Ground breaking on November 1, 2017
- Temporary modular for TRACKS program installed
- Earthwork begins
- Footings and stem walls poured
- Underground utilities installed and backfilling complete
- Concrete slab poured and radiant heat flooring system installed
- Steelwork started on October 1, 2018
- Structural steel complete and roof deck in place
- Septic system installed
- Natural gas line connected
- Drywall and electrical infrastructure installation complete
- Learning stairs framing and railing installation complete
- Interior painting complete and light fixture installation in progress
- Mechanical systems in place and ductwork installation complete
- Carpet is complete
- Window installation is finished
- Casework installation complete
- Instruction technology installation finished
- Installation of exterior siding complete
- New furniture installed over Spring Break
- Learning stair finishes complete
- Concrete floor grinding and polishing in progress