Nestled in juniper and ponderosa pines, and volcanic boulders on a gentle slope on the rim of a dramatic canyon, Cascade
Cascades Academy of Central Oregon Campus Exposed wood structure features prominently in school’s gathering spaces
Nestled in juniper and ponderosa pines, and volcanic boulders on a gentle slope on the rim of a dramatic canyon, Cascades Academy of Central Oregon serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The 38,500-sq.ft. independent school consists of distinct wings forming a protected courtyard: the main wing with a library, science labs and offices; the commons, upper and lower classroom wings; and a detached gymnasium. wood design & building ‒ winter 2013-14
21
Exposed wood structure of glulam beams, columns and decking are features of the large gathering spaces in reference to the school’s focus on experiential learning in the natural environment. The extensive use of wood at Cascades Academy allowed the school, architect and contractor to realize the project goals within the constraints of a very limited budget and challenging schedule. Long-term thinking and retaining the character of the site were driving factors in the programming, master planning, design and construction of the campus. In realizing the project at under $200/sq.ft., the designers, contractor and owner all worked together with a deep sense of ownership. Exposed wood structure at select gathering spaces characterizes the school’s focus on the natural environment. Western red cedar siding, continuous from exterior to interior, is separated by vertical strips of glazing that reflects the rhythm of scattered junipers and ponderosa pines while allowing views through the building to the surrounding high desert landscape. This evokes a sense of openness and permeability. Western hemlock is featured inside the building at ceilings, cable
trays, and screen walls to create a natural, healthy and inspiring environment for learning that reinforces the link to the outdoors. Use of platform wood framing and pre-engineered wood trusses kept construction costs low. Experiential learning in the natural environment is expressed architecturally with spatial connections, terraces, porches and views to the landscape; abundant daylight flooding in from clerestories, skylights, and banks of deeply shaded glazing; natural and displacement ventilation coupled with operable windows; and healthy, natural materials. Careful planning avoided impacting the sensitive canyon landscape and parking is knit into the site to retain existing trees. Spaces flow into one another and beyond to the site. The library opens to the main corridor, connecting visually and spatially with the commons. The commons extends out to the canyon and glazed garage doors link the gym to the outdoors. As the Middle and Upper School corridor widens to a student seating area, the Lower School corridor narrows to an intimate space for younger children. Interior finishes and colors were
ELEVATION
22
7 2 4 3
1
6 5 1. canyon 2. entrance 3. commons 4. administrative 5. upper school 6. lower school 7. gymnasium
FLOOR PLAN
SECTION
wood design & building ‒ winter 2013-14
23
selected and detailed to complement the building design and site. Large wood roof overhangs provide shade and shelter from summer sun and winter snow and extend inside to become interior ceilings. Cedar wall panels and fir doors provide warmth and texture. Polished concrete floors meld into the dusty desert terrain. A geothermal field beneath the athletic field is the primary energy source and took advantage of the excavation required for the playing field on the rocky site. The school is heated by exposed radiant slabs. A small window is provided in the slab for students to see the radiant tubing. The gymnasium, constructed with insulated concrete forms, relies entirely on passive cooling and ventilation with large ceiling fans and air intakes with automated dampers.
CLIENT
Cascades Academy of Central Oregon Bend, OR ARCHITECT
Hennebery Eddy Architects, Inc. Portland, OR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Walker Structural Engineering, LLC Bend, OR G E N E R A L C O N T R A C TO R
CS Construction, LLC Bend, OR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Mayer/Reed Portland, OR P H OTO G R A P H Y
Josh Partee Photography Portland, OR
