Persinger Architects and Associates has developed a concept plan for a new high school for the Roseland School District in Santa Rosa, based on the natural curves seen in local plant life. Persinger Architects has worked closely with the district, contractor, and numerous consultants to make sure all of the district’s concerns are met through integrated design. At this point Persinger Architects has not charged the client for any of the work done.

By using a modular steel grid the architect has designed a building that is expected to cost just half the amount (per square foot) of comparable buildings. The curvilinear exterior walls will be simply added to these frames to give the stunning, complex aesthetic that the client desires.

Sustainability has been an important factor of the design from the beginning of the project. Natural daylight will penetrate into every classroom and operable windows will allow for natural ventilation. Vertical louvers limit direct sunlight into the building, therefore reducing the solar heat gain. Solar panels and solar hot water heaters are planned for the roof, as well as large skylights to pull daylight into the curvilinear central corridor.

The building fits into a small site currently occupied by old portable buildings. By reusing an already developed site the architect has avoided damaging the natural environment, and the plans call for landscaping with native plants that will require little to no additional water. These plants will help draw native wildlife onto the site and shelter the classrooms from traffic noises.

The project includes numerous classrooms, administration spaces, a library, theater, computer stations, kitchen, and dining space. Science classrooms on the first floor allow students to have a firsthand experience in biology and chemistry, while a theater space is currently designed to hold over a hundred visitors allowing for full-scale theatrical performances and graduation ceremonies to take place indoors

If constructed the project will allow the extremely popular and award winning Roseland University Prep School to expand and draw students from further away. This project will give teachers and administrators the space and tools needed to continue teaching at competitive level.

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