Situated in historic Newport, R.I., the van Beuren Building addition and renovation at St. Michael’s Country Day School created a new 2½-story academic wing featuring an upgraded and expanded library, state-of-the-art science classrooms, an art learning center, appropriately sized pre-K and kindergarten classrooms, and a dining facility accommodating all COST PER SQ FT$250.00
FEATURED IN2007 Architectural Portfolio
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The 30,000-square-foot academic wing took its architectural direction from the original Mason House built in 1902 by architect Irving Gill, including exterior stucco walls and arched details maintaining the Mission style, not only to comply with Newport’s Historical District Commission, but also to weave the campus buildings back into the fabric of the adjacent historic neighborhood.
Designers used brilliant colors to integrate the interior furnishings and work finishes, and direct/indirect lighting to establish an engaging learning environment. The second-floor lobby, naturally lighted by a skylight, is the key organizing element connecting the upper classrooms where students and teachers interact between classes.