Daugh W. Smith Middle School, The Harpeth Hall School

Daugh W. Smith Middle School houses grades 5 to 8, including four science rooms, a life-skills wing, kitchen and dining hall. The school challenged the architect to create dedicated, grade-specific pods, which contain classrooms, lockers, gathering spaces, conference rooms and art display areas. It also was important to preserve the sense of community the middle school enjoys.
The two-story building, now part of the campus center, encloses the main lawn and better integrates the middle and upper schools.
Inside, the gently curving walls distinguish each pod from the main circulation path and provide an elegant setting for learning. The carpet pattern and upholstered benches echo the wave theme of the walls. Bamboo flooring, natural wood and stainless-steel accents, along with a color palette of bold eggplant, muted greens and creamy yellows create a warm environment that achieves balance between sophistication and playfulness. Natural light bathes the interior through large windows that also provide dramatic views of the grounds. Carefully positioned indirect lighting eliminates screen glare on students’ laptops.

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