Glacier Peak High School

Snohomish, Washington

Firm

NAC Architecture

Client

Snohomish School District

Area

239,965 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$64,273,491

Completion Date

08/2008

The cafeteria/commons at Glacier Peak High School is a quintessentially civic space. It is a primary node along the "nature path" that links the high school and elementary school together and to the site. This social hub of the school celebrates nature and the varying types of social and communal events that occur within its permeable boundaries:

•It is a place to see and be seen.

•It is a place to perform or informally socialize.

•It is a place where the indoors becomes the outdoors, and the outdoors becomes the indoors.

The spectacular mountain views are an integral part of the students’ daily experience. The extension of the commons into a spatially intimate courtyard that is infused with the "nature path" enables the interior to flow to the exterior. The space has balconies, a stage, seating steps and outdoor spaces in which to gather, socialize and play. The cafeteria is a "home" for an individual, for small groups, for socialites enjoying the crowd, as well as for large public community events.

"Exceptional siting with dramatic views. The space is innovative and flexible, filled with sustainable design features."–2010 jury