Home Building at Thaden School

As the center of campus activity, the Home building plays host to the dining hall, where all students and staff come together for the daily meal, a unique teaching kitchen, library, and unstructured study and lounge spaces. The plan for the building was developed collaboratively, design members working with the community and school leadership to identify what would be needed not just in terms of areas, but also the character of spaces, required adjacencies, and a student’s journey throughout the day. This was an iterative process developed along a twin path—the design team working to advance space programming and planning while the founders simultaneously developed the curriculum. The building takes visual cues from the region itself, with board and batten facades and all wood construction incorporating the beauty of local, vernacular architecture.

The building, much like the extended campus, strives to establish an innovative vision for the future, while reflecting the rich, pastoral heritage of the surrounding landscape. The structural system comprises 2x6 load-bearing wood stud walls with damp-sprayed cellulose insulation, emphasizing sustainability and a lower carbon footprint. Noteworthy features include a floor plan that extends into porches and courtyards, a dramatic 38' peak in the roof, and the use of wood species like cedar in various applications, connecting with regional architectural identity. Prefabricated wood roof trusses, glulam columns, and live edge tables add distinctive touches, contributing to a visually appealing and functionally innovative design that reflects the school's commitment to academic excellence and environmental responsibility.