Sonoma Academy's Janet Durgin Guild & Commons

When architects designed this Y-shaped, two story building for a private high school, they had clear direction to use materials and systems that would match the school’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally-conscious learning and living. The team chose cross-laminated timber (CLT) for the soaring roof, which offers protection from the elements, defines transient spaces and creates areas for social interaction. The choice of mass timber helped the project meet a tight construction schedule. The CLT panels were prefabricated off-site, and a small crew assembled the roof in just two days. With an emphasis on biophilia, the design incorporates elements of LEED, WELL, and the Living Building Challenge, focusing on fresh air, natural light, and local and sustainable materials. As an example, sliding wood screens and mechanical sun shades, made from salvaged western red cedar, filter sunlight and reduce demand for mechanical heating and cooling. 19,500 sf/Type II construction.