Crofton High School

Sited within a wooded community recreational area, the school’s design embraces nature to provide students with an inspirational and flexible learning environment. Through an innovative use of materials, moments within the design bring the outdoors in. An organic frit pattern reminiscent of leaves falling to the ground—developed using computational design—is screen-printed on the glass curtain wall. As the sun shines through the glass, the pattern reflects on the floor while reducing solar heat gain. Within the lobby, custom-designed, backlit perforated panels illuminate a view of the forest.

Natural light and ventilation are maximized within the primary learning environments; nearly every window offers views of the surrounding forest. Flexibility drives the organization, supporting the full range of learning and instructional styles and fostering collaboration at and across grade levels and subject areas. Free of lockers, corridors serve as breakout spaces with benches, whiteboards, and pinup space for collaboration. Sustainable design features integrate with the school’s learning goals, conserve resources, minimize waste, support the site’s ecosystem, and promote occupant well-being.

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