Roseland School District Office

The school district desired a main office that would acknowledge the district’s agrarian roots, foster a collaborative environment amongst staff, be inviting to the public, and provide a venue for small community-oriented functions. The site had a limited footprint of opportunity between easements and a public walking trail.

Design Challenge

The design took its cue from the site’s history as part of Luther Burbank’s agricultural farm in the early 1900’s while developing a modern, open work environment that promoted communication and teamwork. Acknowledging the District’s need for secure records and work stations, any after-hour or community events required controlled separation. The design team isolated the community room, the restrooms, the break room, and the exterior patio through the innovative use of large format barn doors. During district work hours these same barn doors remained open, fostering easy circulation between workstations, conference rooms, and the break room for informal brainstorming, idea sharing, and collaboration

Physical Context

In the vein of sustainability, the office utilizes stained concrete floors with fly ash, numerous recycled materials, natural diffused lighting through a north facing clerestory, large format windows, modular furniture, and a roof prepared for a future photovoltaic array. Initial clearing and excavation paused for one month upon the discovery of turkey nests and allowed nature to take it’s course.