Ann Sobrato High School

Morgan Hill, California

Firm

Jacobs

Client

Morgan Hill Unified School District

Area

174,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$76,000,000

Completion Date

08/2004

Ann Sobrato High School responds to the formerly agrarian context of its location and the socio-economic nature of a community rapidly shifting toward suburban. For example, the site layout and architecture speak to the grid patterns of the orchards prevalent in the area and at the base of the adjacent “golden” hills.
The primary impetus of the interior layout is an educational program focused on project-based learning in a “grouped” classroom. The school is a campus design, maximizing the outdoor classroom and climate opportunities in central California.
Four classroom wings provide flexibility for interdisciplinary (the current model), grade level or departmental organization. Each cluster includes four classrooms and a science room with adjacent project rooms and conference center. Teachers have office and conference space adjacent to their classroom areas.
Sustainability and energy efficiency are enhanced through building orientation, overhangs, ventilation, operable windows, pendant lighting fixtures and natural shading to take advantage of the mild Bay Area climate.

Rendering: Todd Mion