Branson School Student Commons \ Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects

Branson School Student Commons, image courtesy Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects | Photo by David Wakely

Branson School Student Commons, image courtesy Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects | Photo by David Wakely

Branson School Student Commons, image courtesy Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects | Photo by David Wakely

Branson School Student Commons, image courtesy Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects | Photo by David Wakely

This is a new student commons at an independent high school in Marin, California. Designed by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects, the Branson School Student Commons gives students a much-needed gathering space with an unusual degree of connection to the outdoors. Sited in a narrow glen between upper and lower campuses, the structure includes a dining hall, a kitchen, offices, a lounge, and support spaces. Three large overhead doors open onto a generous plaza for dining, meeting, and outdoor learning. Extensive glazing provides views of the hills and floods the space with natural light. The building is LEED Platinum certified; sustainable strategies include a living roof, radiant heating, natural ventilation, photovoltaic panels, and pervious paving.

+ Project facts

Branson School Student Commons
Ross, CA, USA

Architect: Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects
Building area: 7550 sf
Type: Architecture: Institutional/Educational
Use: A Student Commons for an independent high school
Photographer: David Wakely

+ All images and drawings courtesy JAM | Photo by Jun Murata / JAM